Silicon Valley is investing heavily in the 2026 midterms to reshape AI regulation in America.
States like New York, California, and Colorado have passed laws that make AI developers share safety practices and check for risks in AI. But these laws have faced pushback from the White House. David Sacks, the AI czar, says we need to be fast in AI development to keep up with China. In December, President Trump signed an order that aims to challenge state AI laws that are stricter than federal ones.
There are two sides in this debate. Some lawmakers, AI experts, and safety groups want strict rules for AI. On the other side, big tech companies and investors believe these laws can slow down progress.
Instead of just talking, the AI industry is starting a big campaign to support politicians who agree with them. A major player is Leading the Future, which has over $100 million backing. This super PAC, supported by big names like Andreessen Horowitz, wants to support candidates who favor a nationwide approach to AI.
Josh Vlasto, a leader of this super PAC, shared their mission. They want to create one smart national policy for AI that helps job growth, protects communities, and stays competitive with China. Recently, they started airing ads against politicians who support state-level AI regulation.
One ad targets New York assemblymember Alex Bores, who helped create a law requiring AI developers to report safety practices. Bores is running for Congress, and the ad argues that his law creates a confusing mess of AI rules. In response, Bores warned that AI billionaires want unlimited power and profits.
Another ad from Leading the Future supports Chris Gober, who previously helped raise funds for Trump. Gober is aiming for a seat in Texas, but the ad didn’t mention AI and instead labeled him as a true “Trump conservative.”