California may fine influencers who hide political campaign payments

California is considering fines of up to $5,000 for social media creators who fail to disclose payments from political campaigns, as candidates increasingly use influencers to reach voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.The debate has already played out on Instagram. Los Angeles-based creator Shaka Smith, who has more than 700,000 followers, endorsed Democratic candidate Tom Steyer during the California governor’s primary after being paid by his campaign.“Healthcare shouldn't bankrupt you, housing should not feel impossible, polluters shouldn't pass their bill to us and artists should not be replaced by AI," Smith said. "That’s why I’m supporting Tom Steyer for governor.”Smith began the video with a disclosure, “This is an ad, and honestly, I wish more political content said that first."