Key facts
- The AI industry has spent over $65 million on political campaigns ahead of the midterm elections.
- Leading the Future, a pro-AI super PAC network, has raised nearly $76 million from tech elite.
- OpenAI President Greg Brockman and his wife donated $25 million to Leading the Future.
- Anthropic has donated $40 million to Public First, a competing network supporting AI regulation.
- Public First was formed by former Reps. Chris Stewart and Brad Carson to back candidates supporting AI regulation.
The artificial intelligence industry is significantly increasing its political spending ahead of the midterm elections, with hundreds of millions of dollars being funneled into super PACs and related groups. Major AI companies and tech leaders, including OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic, are involved in this effort to shape the future Congress and state legislatures. As of now, over $65 million has been spent, with substantial reserves remaining, and the total is expected to rise due to the use of 'dark money' groups that do not regularly disclose expenditures.
Leading the Future, a network of super PACs associated with Silicon Valley's tech elite, has emerged as a major player, raising nearly $76 million. Key donors include Andreesen Horowitz ($50 million), OpenAI CEO Greg Brockman and his wife Anna ($25 million), and Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz ($12.5 million each). The group plans to support candidates aligned with the pro-AI agenda and oppose those who do not. Leading the Future has redirected funds to its Democratic-focused super PAC, Think Big, and its Republican-focused super PAC, American Mission. Think Big and American Mission have collectively spent over $29 million, with Think Big focusing on Democratic races and American Mission supporting GOP candidates.
In response to Leading the Future's influence, former Reps. Chris Stewart and Brad Carson have launched Public First, a competing political network backed by significant donations, including $40 million from Anthropic. Public First aims to support candidates who advocate for AI regulation. While Public First acknowledges it may be outspent, its co-founder Brad Carson expressed confidence in their position, citing public sentiment and their fundraising goals.