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Silicon Valley is Tens of millions of dollars have already been pumped in Midterm elections It takes place across the United States in the year 2026, as the tech industry’s war over regulation of artificial intelligence moves decisively into American politics. Technology executives, investors and associated companies Artificial intelligence boom They are financing a new network of AI-focused superior PACSwhich is expected to make artificial intelligence a major issue in this year’s federal and state election races.
The election spending represents a sharp escalation in the debate over AI regulation that has divided Silicon Valley for years.
In the absence of federal action, state legislators New York, caand Colorado It passed laws last year requiring major AI developers to disclose safety practices and risk assessments such as algorithmic discrimination. While states are offering their own ideas on how to regulate AI, their efforts have been met with significant resistance from the White House. David Sachs, the White House AI czar, has repeatedly argued that American progress in AI is existential in itself. Race against China. In December, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to do so Challenging state AI laws That conflicts with less stringent federal policy, urging Congress to create a national AI framework that would preempt state regulations.
This has created crucial battle lines, as concerned lawmakers, AI researchers, safety-focused startups, and nonprofit groups seek to impose guardrails on advanced AI models on the one hand, while Silicon Valley’s biggest companies and investors on the other claim that aggressive state-level regulations could derail AI progress.
Instead of simply lobbying against these efforts, the AI industry is launching a multimillion-dollar campaign to elect politicians who will be friendly to their cause. This new wave of political spending groups adds another layer of pressure on lawmakers working to advance AI safety efforts.
Pro-AI political action committees
The largest of these is Leadership the Future, a super PAC that has more than $100 million in backing from venture capital powerhouse Andreessen Horowitz, as well as OpenAI chief Greg Brockman and his wife, Anna Brockman. While super PACs don’t typically develop their own comprehensive strategies, the political group has Unusually frank About her goal of opposing candidates who advocate for state-level regulation of artificial intelligence.
“We are looking to develop a national regulatory framework for AI and avoid confusion between countries,” Josh Vlasto, leader of the super PAC, tells WIRED. “This includes ensuring job creation and innovation, protecting children and communities, and winning the race against China. We will support candidates who champion this and oppose those who do not.”
In December, the group launched its activity The first television ads Target a few specific congressional races.
one advertisement Targets a New York State Assemblyman Alex Burrisis a co-author of a recently signed law requiring major AI developers to report safety testing practices. Burris is running in a crowded primary to replace Representative Jerry Nadler in New York’s 12th Congressional District. TV advertising driving the future Announce It was paid for by two political action committees in its network, and specifically mentions Boris’s position on AI, claiming that his legislation contributes to a “patchwork” of AI laws, and arguing that “America needs a single national intelligent policy that sets clear standards for safe AI.”
“Let’s be clear, these AI billionaires have one goal: unlimited power and unlimited profits for themselves,” Boris told WIRED in response to the announcement. “I stand in the way of that and encourage voters to judge me by my enemies.”
Another ad sponsored by Leading the Future’s network of political action committees supports Chris Gober, an attorney who previously helped Elon Musk America PAC He has raised more than $170 million to support Trump’s 2024 campaign. Gober is campaigning for a seat in Texas’ 10th Congressional District. The announcement of the leadership of the future, which is now It has been deleted From YouTube, reportedly No mention of Amnesty International Not at all, rather than describing Gober as a true “Trump conservative” who will focus on “boosting investment in American technology.”