Tech Leaders Launch Counteroffensive to 'Take Back' California

Garry Tan, Chris Larsen, and other Silicon Valley figures rally against 'out-of-touch lefty agenda'

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A group of tech executives and moderate Democrats, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, have launched a political nonprofit called Garry's List to counter what they see as a progressive agenda driving people out of California. The group held an event in Mountain View, home to tech giants like Alphabet and Waymo, where speakers criticized billionaires fleeing the state and vowed to 'take back' California from unions and special interests.

Why it matters

This effort by tech leaders reflects growing tensions between the industry and progressive policies in California, as some high-profile figures have threatened to leave the state over issues like a proposed wealth tax. The launch of Garry's List signals a more organized political pushback from the tech community against what they view as an unfriendly environment.

The details

The event was hosted by Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan, who launched the Garry's List nonprofit to support 'centrist' candidates and causes. Speakers like Ripple chairman Chris Larsen criticized billionaires who have 'surrendered' by moving to Florida, and vowed to counter the influence of unions and special interests. The group plans to deploy millions in funding for voter education efforts and to support candidates like Mahan and Jenkins.

  • The event took place on Wednesday night in Mountain View, California.

The players

Garry Tan

CEO of Y Combinator and founder of the Garry's List political nonprofit.

Chris Larsen

Chairman of Ripple and a speaker at the Garry's List event.

Matt Mahan

Mayor of San Jose and a favored candidate of Silicon Valley bosses in the California governor's race.

Brooke Jenkins

San Francisco District Attorney and a speaker at the Garry's List event.

Tom Steyer

Billionaire activist accused by Garry Tan of trying to 'buy the governor's mansion to raise your taxes'.

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What they’re saying

“Some people have decided to leave our state as some kind of heroic thing. Like, 'I'm going to Florida.' That is not brave. That's surrender.”

— Chris Larsen, Ripple Chairman (Obtained by CA Post)

“They have a machine, now we have one too.”

— Garry Tan, Y Combinator CEO (Obtained by CA Post)

“We've got to fight on par with the unions when they're proposing stupid job-killing ideas like the San Francisco CEO tax.”

— Chris Larsen, Ripple Chairman (Obtained by CA Post)

What’s next

Garry's List plans to deploy millions in funding for voter education efforts and to support centrist political candidates in California.

The takeaway

This effort by tech leaders reflects a growing divide between the industry and progressive policies in California, as some high-profile figures have threatened to leave the state over issues like a proposed wealth tax. The launch of Garry's List signals a more organized political pushback from the tech community against what they view as an unfriendly environment.