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The 49ers suddenly have a rich and powerful rival for control of Santa Clara

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has spent years — and more than $3 million — trying to influence Santa Clara politics amid high-profile disputes over Levi’s Stadium.

For the 2022 cycle, the team is spending big money on behalf of City Councilman Anthony Becker, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Lisa Gillmor. But Gillmor apparently has a rich and powerful ally of her own: Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

Ross is the chairman of real estate development firm Related Companies, and its subsidiary Related Santa Clara is set to break ground on an $8 billion development later this year.