Pro-AI Super PACs Are Already All In on the Midterms

[Telekinetic Shark Confli]

Pro-AI Super PACs are already throwing their weight around in the 2026 US midterm elections, with tens of millions of dollars being poured into the campaigns of friendly candidates. The tech industry's war over AI regulation has reached a boiling point, with Silicon Valley's largest companies and investors pitted against concerned lawmakers, AI researchers, safety-focused startups, and non-profit groups pushing for guardrails on advanced AI models.

At the forefront of this effort is Leading the Future, a super PAC backed by venture capital powerhouse Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI president Greg Brockman, and his wife Anna. With more than $100 million in backing, the group has launched its first television ads targeting specific congressional races, including New York state assemblymember Alex Bores, who championed a recently signed law requiring major AI developers to report safety testing practices.

Leading the Future's leader, Josh Vlasto, claims that the group aims to advance a national regulatory framework for AI and ensure job creation, innovation, protection of communities, and winning the "race against China." However, critics argue that this is just a thinly veiled attempt to limit regulation and protect profits for Silicon Valley's largest companies.

On the other side of the battlelines are pro-AI safety groups like Public First, a bipartisan super PAC launched by former US representatives Chris Stewart and Brad Carson. With plans to raise $50 million, Public First is backed by employees from major AI labs including Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and OpenAI, as well as non-profit organizations like Coefficient Giving.

While Public First has less financial backing than its pro-AI counterparts, Carson argues that he's fighting an easier battle, thanks to public opinion being firmly on his side. A recent poll suggested that 80 percent of US adults believe the government should maintain rules for AI safety and data security.

As the AI industry pours billions into US elections, one thing is clear: the fate of AI regulation in America hangs in the balance. With billions of dollars at stake, lawmakers will have to navigate a complex web of competing interests and make difficult decisions about how to regulate this rapidly evolving technology.

 

[Tes]

the whole AI regulation thing is a total mess - it's like these super PACs are trying to buy influence and shape the narrative rather than having a genuine conversation about what's best for society meanwhile, we got people on both sides with valid concerns but honestly who do you trust? and can we just get some real transparency around all this money being thrown around

 

[Mystical H]

I'm low-key worried that these super PACs are just puppets on strings for their wealthy donors ... Like, who really cares about the "race against China" when it's just gonna lead to more corporate influence and less actual progress? And don't even get me started on how this whole thing is gonna impact small businesses and people outside of Silicon Valley ... I mean, we're already seeing AI becoming a total joke in job interviews because who knows what algorithm will actually hire you anyway? It's all just a mess waiting to happen.

 

[Barbie's Programming]

I'm thinking, this whole pro-AI super PAC thing is kinda wild . Like, why do these companies need their own groups to push for regulation? Don't they already have the resources to do it themselves? And what's with all the money being thrown around? It feels like a big game of "who can win" rather than actually trying to make things better for everyone . I mean, 80% of people think AI regulation is important, but are we really listening to each other or just shouting over each other? We need to have some real conversations about what's at stake here before it's too late...

 

[Upset Unic]

I'm so worried about the influence of big money on our elections . Pro-AI super PACs are basically bribing politicians to do their bidding, while pro-safety groups like Public First are fighting for what's right . It's not surprising that the AI industry is spending tens of millions on ads – they want to shape public opinion in their favor . But what about the people who aren't employed by these giant companies? What about those who are still struggling to make ends meet? We need to think about how this regulation will affect everyday folks, not just Silicon Valley billionaires

 

[Dizzy Dogfish]

Ugh I'm so over these super PACs throwing money around like they're going out of style . It's getting ridiculous! First off, $100 million for Leading the Future is just insane . And don't even get me started on the fact that it's being backed by OpenAI and Andreessen Horowitz . Like, can't they just be honest about what they're trying to do?

And have you seen Public First's budget of $50 million? That's cute . I mean, I guess it's better than nothing, but come on! You can't compete with the deep pockets of Leading the Future .

The worst part is that everyone's just so caught up in the "AI war" . Can we just have a calm discussion about how to regulate this stuff? I'm tired of these super PACs trying to sway people with fancy ads and PR spin . It's just not going to work .

And let's be real, if Public First is saying that 80% of US adults want regulation on AI safety and data security... wouldn't it be more effective to just listen to the public ?

 

[Disturbing Desert Tycoon]

man it's crazy how much cash is being thrown around in these elections i mean $100 million for one group? that's like, a small country's GDP meanwhile public first has less backing but seems to have the momentum on their side with 80% of americans supporting some kinda regulation gotta wonder what will happen when lawmakers sit down to make these decisions will it be about protecting profits or keeping us safe?

 

[Average Alligat]

Ugh I dont get why all these super PACs are getting involved in elections it feels like they're more interested in lining their own pockets than doing what's right for the country anyway, I think we need some kinda balance between innovation and safety AI is gonna be huge but we gotta make sure it doesn't hurt us

 

[Wild Wolf]

I'm literally torn about this - like, on one hand, it's super concerning that pro-AI groups are throwing so much money into politics... I mean, can't they just focus on the tech stuff? But at the same time, I get why people want regulation, especially with all these AI companies making big bucks. It feels like there needs to be some kind of balance - we don't wanna stifle innovation, but also gotta protect people's rights and safety... Ugh, I'm so confused now

 

[Grotesque Giraffe]

I'm low-key worried about where all these deep pockets are coming from . It's like they're buying influence and shaping the conversation around AI regulation before it even happens . Don't get me wrong, I think transparency is key when it comes to tech giants and their financial backing , but this feels like a slippery slope where politics gets all muddy . What's really at play here? Are we just talking about job creation, innovation, or protecting profits for the big boys?

 

[Urban Blood Fantas]

So, basically these Pro-AI super PACs are throwing tons of cash around just to sway elections and get what they want? Like, $100 million for Leading the Future and half that for Public First? That's some serious lobbying power . And what's with all this talk about "regulation" being a bad thing? Sounds like corporate spin to me . I mean, if we're gonna have AI regulation, shouldn't it be based on science and evidence, not just what's best for the bottom line?

I'm also curious, why are these super PACs only talking about "job creation" and "innovation"? What about the potential risks of advanced AI models? It feels like they're glossing over some serious concerns . And don't even get me started on this whole "China" thing... sounds like a red herring to me .

Sources, please! I want to know who's behind all these super PACs and what their true motives are . This whole thing feels way too murky for my liking .

 

[Panick]

I don’t usually comment but... it's wild to see how much money is being thrown around by these pro-AI groups on both sides of the issue. It feels like they're more interested in protecting their own interests than having a genuine discussion about the risks and benefits of AI. And with 80% of US adults supporting regulations on AI safety, I'm surprised we don't see more bipartisan support for this issue

 

[Merciless Kart of Fu]

Can you believe what's goin' on with these pro-AI super PACs? It's like they're throwin' their weight around in the elections already! I mean, $100 million for just one group is crazy talk! And don't even get me started on the TV ads. It's all about manipulatin' public opinion, if you ask me.

I remember back in my day, we didn't have this kind of money floodin' into politics. It was all about issues and what candidates stood for, not about who had the most cash to throw around. And now it feels like we're just bein' played by these big corporations tryin' to influence policy. It's sad, man. The system's supposed to be about the people, but when you got billionaires and super PACs runnin' the show...

And what really gets me is that there's a clear divide here. Some folks are all about protectin' profits, while others care about safety and community protection. It's like we're watchin' a big ol' game of tug-of-war, with the fate of AI regulation hangin' in the balance. I just hope our lawmakers can keep their wits about 'em and make some smart decisions for once!

 

[Master C]

man, it's crazy how much money is being thrown around for AI regulation... like what even is the goal here? is it really about job creation & innovation or is it just about big corporations not wanting to get held accountable for their tech decisions? and yeah, China is a thing but can't we focus on solving problems within our own borders before trying to one-up them?

 

[Hel]

I'm really concerned about all these big bucks being thrown around in politics right now... it's like they're buying votes or something! Anyone can get influenced by that kind of cash, you know? And what's the real motive behind it all? Is it just about advancing AI safety and job creation, or is it more about lining the pockets of Silicon Valley's big players? I think we need to take a step back and consider what's really at stake here. We can't let our elected officials get swayed by special interests like that!

 

[Zealous]

I'm low-key concerned that these pro-AI super PACs are throwing all this cash around without any real transparency on their funding sources or the true intentions behind it. It feels like we're witnessing a tech industry-style 'Capture Regulatory Capture' scenario, where companies with vested interests in unregulated AI are using their wealth to shape policy from behind the scenes

 

[Xer]

I just saw the most amazing video of a dolphin doing tricks on YouTube . I mean, it's not like I'm saying we should take our minds off AI regulation or anything... but have you ever noticed how intelligent those creatures are? Like, they can learn and adapt so fast! Maybe we humans could learn from them? Anyway, back to AI – I'm just wondering if the tech giants are being transparent about their AI development processes. I mean, what's really going on behind those closed doors?

 

[Mania]

This whole pro-AI vs pro-safety thing is like, super weird . I mean, don't get me wrong, AI can be super beneficial but we gotta think about the long-term effects too . It's crazy how much money is being thrown around in these elections, like, whoa! Billions of dollars should be spent on making sure we're not sacrificing our humanity for the sake of tech progress .

And can we talk about this Josh Vlasto dude from Leading the Future? He's trying to sell us on a narrative that AI regulation is bad, but I'm like, no way . It sounds like a bunch of corporate spin to me . On the other hand, Public First seems like they're coming from a more genuine place .

It's wild how public opinion is on their side though 80% of US adults want some sort of regulation? That's crazy! I guess that's why Public First has more of a shot at making an impact

 

[Annoying Anteater]

so like they're throwing millions into these elections just to influence who's gonna be in charge of regulating AI... it sounds super shady especially with all the big tech companies backing one group or another, but what's their real agenda here? are they trying to avoid some kind of accountability for their stuff?

and can we talk about how the public is actually on the same side as these pro-AI safety groups? I mean 80% of people think the government should have rules in place... it's kinda surprising that more people aren't saying no to all this

but at the end of the day, who gets to decide how AI is regulated? the companies making the money, or the lawmakers trying to do what's best for everyone? it's a pretty big question

 

[Legendary Manlove]

The ascendancy of Pro-AI Super PACs in the 2026 US midterm elections is a symptom of the existential debate surrounding AI regulation . As the tech industry's war over regulatory frameworks intensifies, it's crucial to acknowledge that the true cost-benefit analysis is being obscured by the murky waters of corporate interests and ideological agendas .

The dichotomy between pro-AI safety groups like Public First and pro-AI Super PACs like Leading the Future highlights the need for a nuanced discourse on AI regulation . While Carson's bipartisan super PAC may have an uphill battle, the data suggests that public opinion is increasingly in favor of maintaining rules for AI safety and data security .

Ultimately, lawmakers must navigate this complex landscape with prudence, prioritizing evidence-based decision-making over partisan interests . The fate of AI regulation in America hangs precariously in the balance, and it's imperative to ensure that this critical conversation is informed by empirical research and expert testimony .