A new statewide poll finds California voters strongly support the COMPETE Act (AB 1776), the proposal to modernize the state’s competition law so big corporations can’t abuse their market power to shut out competitors, hold down wages, or raise prices. Voters support the bill 52% to 11%, a margin of nearly five to one, and the single most convincing argument for it is that it’s time to hold Big Tech companies accountable – more than two-thirds agree.
“California voters have made themselves clear: they want lawmakers to stand up to Big Tech and for workers, families, and small businesses. Support for the COMPETE Act crosses party lines because concentrated corporate power is raising the prices California families pay and holding down workers’ wages, all while squeezing out small businesses and startups. With a multimillion-dollar corporate lobbying campaign working overtime to kill this bill, lawmakers face a straightforward choice: stand with voters by passing COMPETE, or stand with the biggest monopolies,” said Tech Oversight California communications director Marjorie K. Connolly.
The survey, conducted by Public Policy Polling for Tech Oversight California, tested a range of arguments for the COMPETE Act. Holding Big Tech accountable drew the most intense response of any message tested: 46% of voters called it “very convincing,” the highest share for any argument, and 68% found it convincing overall.
Notable findings:
- A majority of California voters support the COMPETE Act, and few oppose it. 52% support the bill and just 11% oppose it – with 36% not yet sure, leaving significant room for support to grow as voters learn more.
- Support crosses party lines. Democrats back the COMPETE Act 60% to 8%, independents 47% to 11%, and Republicans 43% to 17%. Among voters who supported Donald Trump in 2024, support still outpaces opposition 42% to 17%.
- Holding Big Tech accountable is the most convincing argument for the bill. 68% find the argument that “it’s time to hold Big Tech companies accountable” convincing — and at 46% “very convincing,” it draws the strongest intensity of any message tested. It reaches across the spectrum: 78% of Democrats, 68% of independents, and a majority of 2024 Trump voters (52%) find it convincing.
- Giving small businesses a fair shot is one of the strongest arguments for COMPETE. 68% overall find it convincing that challenging big corporations helps startups and small businesses compete and create jobs — including 37% who find it very convincing. It resonates especially with working-class voters, reaching 79% among those with a two-year college degree, the highest of any education group.
- Lowering everyday costs resonates. 67% find it convincing that challenging a few giant corporations’ control over essentials like prescription drugs and groceries can help bring costs down, including 42% who call it very convincing.
- Protecting kids online motivates voters. 64% find it convincing that more competition would push social media companies to make their products safer for children.
The COMPETE Act would update California’s competition law to give the state stronger tools to challenge anticompetitive conduct by dominant corporations, from Big Tech platforms to the giant firms that shape the prices families pay for essentials. It passed the Assembly in May with a vote of 44-17, then passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in July with a strong vote of 9-2. It now awaits approval by the Senate Appropriations Committee, its final committee stop before a full Senate floor vote. Supporters of the bill will gather on the Capitol steps today, August 11 at 10 AM to call for action in the face of a massive lobbying campaign led by Big Tech to kill the bill and preserve these companies’ entrenched dominance at California families’, workers’ and small businesses’ expense.
Methodology: Public Policy Polling surveyed 628 California voters on August 7–8, 2026, via telephone and text message.