In a surprising turn of events during the California primary night, candidates supported by Big Tech faced significant defeats. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who had aspirations to become governor, conceded his race shortly after polls closed, marking a swift end to his campaign. Observers noted that wealthy candidates and their donors, including several billionaires, experienced unexpected losses. This election highlighted a critical reality check for campaign spending in California, as prominent figures in the tech industry struggled to influence voter decisions. Analysts reflected on the difficulties faced by mayors transitioning to higher political offices, with both Mahan and Villaraigosa serving as prime examples of this challenging leap. Overall, the primary results served as a stark reminder that in California, purchasing an election may not be as straightforward as hoped.