Silicon Valley is has already pumped tens of millions of dollars into the 2026 midterm elections that will take place across the United States, as the tech industry’s war over artificial intelligence regulation spills over into American politics in a decisive way. Technology executives, investors and companies tied to the AI boom are funding a novel network of AI-focused superPACS that are expected to make AI a top issue in this year’s state and federal elections.
The election spending marks a edged escalation in the debate over regulating artificial intelligence that has divided Silicon Valley for years.
In the absence of federal action, state lawmakers w New York, CaliforniaAND Colorado last year they passed legislation requiring huge AI developers to disclose security practices and assess risks such as algorithmic discrimination. As countries put forward their own ideas for regulating artificial intelligence, their efforts are facing forceful opposition from the White House. David Sacks, the White House artificial intelligence czar, has repeatedly argued that the progress of American artificial intelligence is existential race with China. In December, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to challenge state AI laws that conflict with less stringent federal policies and calling on Congress to establish a national AI framework that would preempt state laws.
This has created decisive battle lines, with concerned lawmakers, AI researchers, security startups and nonprofit groups pushing barriers to advanced AI models on one hand, while Silicon Valley’s largest companies and investors on the other argue that aggressive state-level regulation could hinder AI’s progress.
Instead of lobbying against these efforts, the AI industry is launching a multi-million dollar campaign to elect politicians who are warm to their cause. This novel wave of political spending groups adds another layer of pressure on lawmakers supporting AI security efforts.
Pro-AI PAC
The largest of them is Leading the Future, a super PAC with more than $100 million in backing from venture capital tycoon Andreessen Horowitz, as well as OpenAI CEO Greg Brockman and his wife Anna Brockman. While super PACs don’t typically outline their overarching strategies, this political group has been unusually outspoken about its goal of opposing candidates who support state-level regulation of artificial intelligence.
“We want to improve national AI regulatory frameworks and avoid a patchwork of states,” Josh Vlasto, a super PAC leader, tells WIRED. “This includes ensuring job creation and innovation, protecting children and communities, and winning the race against China. We will support candidates who support this and oppose those who do not.”
In December, the group launched its own first television commercials targeted at a few specific congressional races.
One announcement attacks Fresh York State Assemblyman Alex Bores, co-author of a recently signed law requiring major AI developers to report on their security testing practices. Bores is running in a crowded primary to replace Rep. Jerry Nadler in Fresh York’s 12th Congressional District. TV advertising that leads the future announced was paid for by two of her network’s PACs, specifically mentions Bores’ stance on AI, claiming his legislation contributes to a “mock” AI regulation and arguing that “America needs one smart national 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,” Bores told WIRED in response to the ad. “I stand in the way of that and encourage voters to judge me by my enemies.”
Another ad financed by the Leading the Future PAC network supports Chris Gober, a lawyer who previously helped Elon Musk’s US PAC raise over $170 million to support Trump’s 2024 candidacy. Gober is running for a seat in Texas’ 10th congressional district. Leading the Future ad that was already there deleted apparently from YouTube I didn’t mention AI at all, instead calling Gober a true “Trump conservative” who will focus on “promoting U.S. technology investment.”