Owner of iconic Bay to Breakers backs extremist politicians

The iconic Bay to Breakers is this weekend and its organizer says it is “a celebration of life, laughter, and the personality of San Francisco.” But its organizer has a dirty secret: he's quietly supporting the politics of bigotry, discrimination and hate.

In 2019 Bay to Breakers was bought by Capstone Events in NC, which is owned by John Kane. Kane’s right-wing politics couldn’t be any different from “the personality of SF.”

In the last two years, Kane has given thousands to U.S. Representatives. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan, and U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Rand Paul. He’s also given thousands to get other conservatives elected through the Winred PAC.

FEC Report showing some of Kane’s recent political contributions

Greene is one of the most despicable, anti-LGBTQ politicians in America. All House members supported with Kane/Capstone money opposed the Equality Act, while Jordan led opposition in the House and is vocally anti-gay marriage. Paul compared gender affirming surgery to “genital mutilation.”

Bay to Breakers’ title sponsor is Zappos, which claims it is “dedicated to supporting and uplifting LGBTQIA+” And yet, Zappos has partnered with a man who financially supports some of the nation’s most anti-LGBTQIA+ politicians.

In addition to Zappos, sponsors that have teamed up with Kane on Bay to Breakers include Knockaround, United Airlines, UCSF Hospitals, Pendo, San Francisco Examiner, KRON Channel 4 News, and KGO 810 radio. Do these companies believe that Green, Gaetz, Jordan, Hawley and Rand represent the personality of San Francisco?