Jul 28, 2011; Sacramento, CA, USA; General view of the California state capitol building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Sacramento, California – Lobbying spending in California soared to unprecedented levels in 2024, with more than $540 million poured into influencing lawmakers and state officials—a 10% jump from the previous year, according to a CalMatters analysis of newly filed data with the Secretary of State.
The highest ever recorded spike was fueled by aggressive advocacy from tech giants like Google, oil companies, and utilities, particularly during intense legislative battles in the third quarter. The rise underscores California’s government’s growing influence on national policy and corporate strategy.
“Half a billion is kind of normal,” said Francesco Trebbi, an economics professor at UC Berkeley. “Given California’s size—14% of U.S. GDP—this level of spending aligns with what you’d expect in a full-time Legislature within the world’s fifth-largest economy.”
Among the biggest spenders was the Western States Petroleum Association, which shelled out more than $17.3 million, over half of that in Q3 alone, primarily to fight proposed oil and gas regulations. The group took a stance on 18 bills and succeeded two-thirds of the time.
Utilities also spent heavily: PacifiCorp dropped a staggering $13.4 million, 30 times its historical average, as it lobbied for a rate hike. PG&E spent nearly $3.6 million, publicly engaging on 45 bills and prevailing on 31.
Perhaps the most dramatic shift came from Google, which invested more in California lobbying last year than in the previous 20 years combined. The tech giant opposed a media bill and proposed AI regulations and won both battles. Much of its effort was funneled through the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which spent nearly $7.4 million, with $7 million coming directly from Google.
Labor wasn’t absent from the conversation, but trailed corporate interests in spending. Only two unions surpassed the $1 million mark: SEIU with $3.4 million, and the California Teachers Association with $3.1 million—both seeing success rates near 70%.
Despite the massive figures, California’s lobbying laws don’t require disclosing which lawmakers met with lobbyists or how individual lobbyists targeted specific bills, leaving a hazy picture of influence.
CalMatters’ analysis found corporate lobbying effective about 60% of the time, though experts warn this may underestimate long-term influence. “A tough bill can take six or seven years to pass,” said veteran lobbyist Chris Micheli. “But when it does, it can reshape policy overnight.”
