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Netflixco-founder Reed Hastings appears to be backto scrolling on candidates in theCalifornia governor’s race.
A newly filed report for the committee “California Back to Basics Supporting Matt Mahan for Governor 2026” shows Hastings contributed $1 million to the pro-Mahan independent expenditure committee on May 15 — only to then have the money returned five days later on Wednesday.
The disclosure could mark a significant retreat from Mahan, who has been attempting to position himself as a pragmatic, tech-friendly Democrat in the crowded 2026 governor’s race.
The San Jose mayor has attracted support from moderate Democrats and tech titans since his late entry to the race in January, but he has gained little ground and remainsstuck in sixth, according to oddsmakers.
Only the two finalists in the June 2 primary election will advance to the November runoff.
The filing does not explain why the contribution was refunded, and it remains unclear whether Hastings — who could not be reached for comment — personally requested the money back or whether the committee returned it voluntarily.
However, a California political consultant told The Post that signs have been building that support for Mahan is drying up.
“From day one, Mahan was the pray mouse of the billionaires,” the source said. “He was running this not like a political campaign but a tech startup. At precisely the time voters finally started paying attention, he was out of money.”
Officials connected to the committee supporting Mahan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
