Garry Tan Launches Nonprofit 'Garry's List' to Influence CA Politics

Y Combinator CEO aims to support 'moderate/pragmatic' candidates and 'pro-growth' policies in California

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Silicon Valley leader Garry Tan has launched a new nonprofit called 'Garry's List' that aims to shape California's political landscape by supporting certain candidates and advocating for policies seen as favorable to the tech industry. The organization, described as a hybrid PAC, blog, and incubator, intends to back 'moderate/pragmatic' candidates and push for 'pro-growth' policies in the state.

Why it matters

Tan's initiative is part of a broader trend of increased political involvement by tech executives and venture capitalists, who are seeking to influence regulations, taxes, and other issues critical to the industry. The launch of Garry's List represents a formalization of this effort, creating a dedicated platform to amplify the tech sector's voice in Sacramento.

The details

Garry's List will focus on supporting candidates and policies that the organization deems 'moderate/pragmatic' and 'pro-growth.' This could include advocating for tax incentives for startups, streamlining construction permitting, and reducing regulatory burdens on tech companies. However, the specific policy priorities of the organization remain to be fully defined.

  • Garry Tan launched Garry's List in February 2026.

The players

Garry Tan

The CEO of Y Combinator, a prominent startup accelerator, who has launched the new nonprofit Garry's List.

David Sacks

A tech investor who has publicly urged Y Combinator to open an office in Austin, Texas, predicting the city could surpass Silicon Valley as a tech hub.

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What they’re saying

“Garry's List aims to support 'moderate/pragmatic' candidates and advocate for 'pro-growth' policies.”

— Garry Tan, CEO, Y Combinator (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The specific policy priorities and candidate endorsements of Garry's List will be closely watched as the organization seeks to influence California's political landscape.

The takeaway

Garry Tan's launch of Garry's List is the latest example of Silicon Valley's growing political influence, as tech leaders seek to shape the policies that govern their industry and the state's future. This trend raises questions about the potential for undue influence and the broader implications for California's economic and regulatory environment.