The political landscape of New York’s 12th congressional district is heating up, not just with traditional campaign rhetoric, but with a high-stakes battle fueled by the titans of artificial intelligence. At the heart of this modern political drama is New York Assembly member Alex Bores, a candidate now caught in the crossfire of rival AI super PACs, each vying to shape the future of technology and policy.
The AI Super PAC Showdown
Late last year, Bores found himself the target of a formidable campaign by “Leading the Future,” a pro-AI super PAC determined to derail his congressional ambitions. This group, boasting an impressive war chest exceeding $100 million, draws its funding from some of the biggest names in tech, including Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, AI search startup Perplexity, and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale. Their objective? To promote a vision of AI development that prioritizes rapid innovation, often with less emphasis on regulatory oversight.
Bores Fights Back with Anthropic’s Backing
Undeterred by the initial onslaught, Bores famously declared, “bring it on.” Now, he has found a powerful ally to match the financial might of his opponents. Public First Action, a PAC bolstered by a substantial $20 million donation from AI developer Anthropic, has committed $450,000 to bolster Bores’ campaign. This move signals a significant escalation in what is becoming a proxy war over AI’s future.
A Clash of Visions: Innovation vs. Safety
While both super PACs identify as “pro-AI,” their philosophies diverge sharply. Leading the Future, representing a more industry-centric approach, has already poured $1.1 million into advertisements attacking Bores. Their primary grievance stems from his sponsorship of New York’s groundbreaking RAISE Act. This proposed legislation mandates that major AI developers disclose their safety protocols and report any serious misuse of their systems – a measure seen by some as a necessary safeguard, and by others as an impediment to progress.
In stark contrast, Public First Action, with Anthropic’s backing, champions a different path. Their vision for AI is rooted in principles of transparency, robust safety standards, and crucial public oversight. This PAC’s support for Bores underscores a growing schism within the AI community itself: between those who advocate for unfettered development and those who believe responsible innovation requires a strong ethical and regulatory framework.
The Stakes for AI Governance
This localized political contest in New York carries broader implications for the national and even global conversation around AI governance. The financial firepower deployed by these tech giants into a single congressional race highlights the intense lobbying efforts and ideological battles that will define how artificial intelligence is developed, deployed, and regulated in the years to come. The outcome of Bores’ campaign could well serve as a bellwether for the future of AI policy, demonstrating whether a focus on safety and transparency can withstand the immense financial pressure of the industry’s most powerful players.
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