Reed Hastings claws back $1 million after backing Matt Mahan for California governor
Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, recently contributed $1 million to support Matt Mahan's campaign for California governor but had the funds returned just days later. This move indicates a potential decline in support for Mahan, who has struggled to gain traction in the crowded race. Meanwhile, Hastings continues to back Gavin Newsom's presidential ambitions, suggesting a shift in financial backing among California's political donors.
- ▪Reed Hastings contributed $1 million to Matt Mahan's campaign but had it refunded five days later.
- ▪Mahan has struggled to gain support in the California governor's race, currently sitting in sixth place.
- ▪Hastings has been a significant political donor in California, supporting various Democratic causes and candidates.
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Politics Reed Hastings claws back $1 million after backing Matt Mahan for California governor By Josh Koehn Published May 21, 2026, 5:23 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings appears to be back to scrolling on candidates in the California 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. 4 Reed Hastings has thrown around tens of millions of dollars in California elections over the years.
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