Billionaire Kalanick Bolts California for Texas
Travis Kalanick, the co-founder of Uber, has shifted his residency to Austin, Texas. The move came in mid-December, just weeks before a proposed California wealth tax could affect billionaires who were residents on Jan. 1, 2026.
This is the latest high-profile departure from California. People and money keep moving to states with lower taxes and different business climates. That’s a simple fact now playing out in public.
On the timing, Kalanick said exactly this: “Just to be clear, on December 18, I moved to Texas. I don’t know what’s so specific about December 18, but let’s just say it’s prior to January,” Kalanick said in an interview with TPBN.
He added: “I get a little bit [of] FOMO on like, these people going to Florida. I’m like, dude! Why so much Florida action?” he continued. “Come on, homies.”
The proposed California measure would impose a one-time 5% tax on net worth above $1 billion for residents who were in the state on Jan. 1, 2026. Backers say the money would fund services and health care. Critics say it would drive more wealthy residents out and hurt investment.
Estimates suggest someone with Kalanick’s net worth could have faced a bill in the hundreds of millions if the measure applied to them. Whether the proposal reaches the ballot and how voters respond remains to be seen.
For now, the headline is simple. Wealthy individuals are relocating. Some choose Texas. Others choose Florida or other states. They cite taxes, regulation, and lifestyle as reasons.
California leaders face questions about whether policies are encouraging or discouraging growth. Supporters of the tax argue that it addresses inequality and funds needed programs. Opponents warn of unintended consequences, like capital flight and job losses.
The discussion is ongoing. Expect more stories like this one as policy battles continue and people make residency choices tied to finances and strategy.
Billionaire Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick is leaving California for Austin, Texas, joining the wave of departures from blue states—just weeks before a proposed wealth tax that could affect his $3.6 billion fortune. pic.twitter.com/BWo7iaM3SP
— GRANDPA’s FREE ADVICE (@GOP_is_Gutless) March 16, 2026
Billionaire Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick is leaving California for Austin, Texas, joining the wave of departures from blue states—just weeks before a proposed wealth tax that could affect his $3.6 billion fortune. pic.twitter.com/BWo7iaM3SP
— GRANDPA’s FREE ADVICE (@GOP_is_Gutless) March 16, 2026