Independent expenditures and campaigns cannot coordinate, under campaign finance law. Deliver For Mahan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n
Mahan, a former tech executive, entered the governor\u2019s race in January with little name recognition but a swell of support from Silicon Valley moguls. He claimed that his pro-public safety message and willingness to spar with progressives and organized labor would resonate with disillusioned Democrats and moderates.<\/p>\n
The latest poll released by the California Democratic Party showed Mahan\u2019s support had slipped from 7% to 4%<\/a> among likely Democratic voters in polling conducted earlier this month.<\/p>\n Loading\u2026<\/p>\n Last month, The New York Times reported<\/a> that major Mahan donors, led by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger adviser David Crane, began soliciting $35 million in donations for Back To Basics. Proponents promised that if they fell short, the donations would be returned.<\/p>\n The committee has raised $28 million since January, according to the latest filings. Crane did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n Nor did Hastings who, according to campaign filings, has recouped the $1 million he donated last Friday.<\/p>\n Last month, Mission Local reported<\/a> the Fair Political Practices Commission had received a complaint that the Back To Basics IE was illegally coordinating with Mahan\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 6:38 PM.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n
![\"Profile](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SAC_54_HA_241126_LiaRussell.jpg\")