Sergey Brin Confronted Gavin Newsom at a Treehouse Party -- Then Launched a Political War

[lostincalifornia]

It was late in the evening at a Christmas party hosted by crypto titan Chris Larsen — featuring singer Janelle Monáe and a towering abominable snowman with glowing red eyes — when Brin and his partner, Gerelyn Gilbert-Soto, confronted Newsom about a new proposal to tax billionaires in California, according to people who’ve spoken with the governor. Such a levy could hit Brin’s stake in Alphabet Inc. and his $272.6 billion fortune.

Newsom, who opposes the wealth tax, was still telling people about the lengthy exchange at the party months later, complaining of a lingering cold the pair had given him, according to the people, who asked not to be named discussing private conversations with the governor.

...........

Ballots for the June 2 primary election start going out next week. Brin and a cohort of the ultrawealthy including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and venture capitalists Vinod Khosla and John Doerr have plowed millions into supporting Matt Mahan, a Silicon Valley mayor, with a back-to-basics agenda and a penchant for taking on the state’s Democratic establishment.

That money has helped Mahan buy airtime and attracted controversy, but his polling numbers remain stuck in the single digits while Steyer’s well-funded progressive campaign is gaining favor with voters. Brin has also backed Republican Steve Hilton, who’s currently leading polls.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-26/how-google-s-sergey-brin-helped-fuel-a-political-war-in-california?srnd=homepage-americas

[UpInArms]

1. More reasons why billionaires should be taxed out of existence

They hate democracy

[flamingdem]

2. We need to get behind Steyer imo

Can you imagine Hilton winning.

Hideous.

Beccera would be great but less likely to attract independents.

[lostincalifornia]

3. I probably will, but I will need to look carefully at the polls. The worst thing that can happen is two republicans in

Last edited Sun Apr 26, 2026, 06:21 PM - Edit history (1)

the general election because of our stupid jungle primary.

I will be voting for the Democrat who is most likely able to be in the general election. That isn't how I like to do it, and if two Democrats end up at the top of the ticket in the general, then I will have the ability to select who I think would serve best as governor. Right now for the primary, my goal is to have at least one Democrat make it to the general.

[flamingdem]

4. Yep. Vote to win

That's the game this round.