Although the message of support for Newsom doesn’t mention funding to fight the recall, Silicon Valley insiders say that’s likely the next step for many of the deep-pocketed tech executives who have written big checks in elections before. Their public letter marks the first organized effort by tech leaders to rally opposition to the recall, and to raise awareness that the recall is likely real — and could have major impacts on California’s business and political climate.

Conway, a leading tech figure in the Valley, told POLITICO in an emailed statement that he spearheaded the effort to recruit tech and business leaders out of concern that “the distracting recall election is the last thing our state needs right now.”

“Governor Newsom has made tough decisions to lead us through the pandemic, and we’re finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Conway said. “The vast majority of people in the tech community agree: replacing Governor Newsom with a Trump Republican, which is what this recall effort is really all about, would reverse our progress against COVID and would be bad for California.”

Some have wondered if a wealthy Silicon Valley titan might wade into the recall waters, either to drive the conversation or fulfill political ambition. Billionaire tech executive Chamath Palihapitiya, an early Facebook executive and CEO of Social Capital, donated $100,000 toward the recall drive and flirted with the idea of running for governor. But he later said he wouldn’t jump in the race.

Newsom’s team has been quick to deter any potential challengers who could attract Democratic momentum away from the governor. One of his top strategists, Sean Clegg, has already gone on the attack against billionaire Tom Steyer and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at the first hint of a possible run.