SAN JOSÉ —  In recent years, the tech industry has seen a notable shift in political engagement among its workforce, particularly in response to the current administration’s policies. Jeremy Lyons, a tech worker who previously identified as apolitical, has found himself drawn into protests against presidential actions he views as detrimental, reflecting a broader trend within the sector.

Lyons, 54, participated in a protest last weekend opposing both President Trump and the actions of influential tech leaders. He noted a conspicuous absence of high-profile tech executives at this rally, a stark contrast to the participation seen during Trump’s inauguration, when several leaders openly supported his agenda.

Changing Political Dynamics in Tech

The divide within the tech industry’s political affiliations has widened. While many executive leaders have shifted toward conservative ideologies, the broader workforce remains predominantly liberal yet increasingly disillusioned. Ann Skeet, who oversees an ethics center at Santa Clara University, observes a growing rift between Silicon Valley’s elite and its employees.

“There’s a tangible gap between the leadership elite here in Silicon Valley and their workforce,” Skeet commented. This observed division is evident in figures like Elon Musk, whose alignment with conservative policies has sparked concern among employees.

Democratic Leanings with Contradictions

Historically, Santa Clara County, encompassing much of Silicon Valley, has leaned Democratic, evidenced by its strong support for Kamala Harris in the last election. However, the county experienced a significant swing of 8 percentage points toward Trump, highlighting a nuanced, often contradictory political climate. Dave Johnson, the executive director of the Santa Clara GOP, notes that while the party has gained some traction, it has not penetrated the tech workforce significantly.

The region’s political identity is further complicated by a mix of libertarian ideals, a resistance to federal intervention, and a belief in technological solutions to societal issues. Emerging from a boom driven by visionary startups, a more cautious and profit-oriented mentality has begun to dominate the tech landscape.

Concerns Over Industry Trajectories

This shift in mindset is eliciting dissatisfaction among tech employees. IdaRose Sylvester, who has been actively involved in promoting entrepreneurial initiatives, expressed her frustration over the increasing inequality and environmental consequences stemming from tech innovations, including cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.

Following Biden’s election, many in the tech community felt a sense of relief that diminished their political engagement. However, as Sylvester points out, issues persist that warrant continued activism.

“I saw many disengage after the 2020 election, believing the situation had improved,” Sylvester said. “But the reality is more complex and troubling.”

A Rallying Response to Fear and Discontent

Crowds gathered in downtown San José for a recent rally, demonstrating a clear dissatisfaction with both the Trump administration and figures like Elon Musk. Attendees voiced their fears over growing wealth disparities and the concentration of power in a few individuals, reflective of a broader sentiment of unease prevalent in the tech workforce. Comments from marchers encapsulated this anxiety:

“The money is all shifting to the wealthiest, and that terrifies me,” said Dianne Wood, a startup employee.

Concerns about civil liberties also surfaced during the rally, with attendees wary of surveillance technologies. Kamal Ali, an AI professional, expressed a sense of betrayal regarding the current political direction, stating, “The trust is broken. A lot of employees are very upset by what’s going on.”

As Silicon Valley grapples with its role in today’s political landscape, the ongoing tension between its leadership and workforce underscores a pivotal moment in the region’s history. Such events signal not just a moment of protest but a broader call for reevaluation of values within an industry that was once seen as a beacon of progressive innovation.