The AI influence network's power players
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Millions of dollars are pouring into state and federal races specifically around AI, targeting and supporting lawmakers in both parties.
Why it matters: Tech money in elections is nothing new. But AI is now a potent campaign issue, driving big spending from rival camps.
The big picture: Pro-AI billionaires funding PACs argue that they're trying to keep the U.S. from losing out to China in the AI race. AI safety and transparency groups are calling the technology a threat to jobs, kids and the environment.
We've made a guide to the biggest AI super PAC and nonprofit players that are wielding influence across key elections in the U.S. and spending to boost policies:
1. Leading the Future is a pro-AI industry super PAC backed by tech execs and investors pushing rapid AI development and lighter regulation.
The cash: The super PAC, which raised $50.1 million last year per Federal Election Commission fiilings, recently announced it has now raised more than $125 million to try to shape the midterm elections.
Key players: OpenAI's Greg Brockman, 8VC's Joe Lonsdale, Andreessen Horowitz, SV Angel's Ron Conway and AI startup Perplexity have all donated to the super PAC, per filings and press releases.
Its affiliates: American Mission PAC and Think Big PAC are other offshoots of Leading the Future, with $5 million and $5.4 million cash-on-hand, respectively.
- Leading the Future is also linked to Build American AI, a 501(c)4 nonprofit that is not required to publicly disclose its donors.
2. Public First Action is a bipartisan 501(c)(4) nonprofit that advocates for AI safety, transparency and stronger oversight.
The cash: Anthropic is Public First Action's sole disclosed donor right now, announcing earlier this month it donated $20 million to the group. The group has reportedly said its goal is now to raise $75 million, after hitting nearly $50 million.
Key players: The Anthropic-backed group is led by former Reps. Brad Carson (D-Okla.) and Chris Stewart (R-Utah).
Its affiliates: The group is tied to three PACs: Defending Our Values PAC supporting Republicans, Jobs and Democracy PAC supporting Democrats, and the bipartisan Public First PAC.
3. American Technology Excellence Project, Forge the Future PAC and Making Our Tomorrow PAC are Meta-backed AI super PACs, part of the company's larger network of PACs.
The cash: Meta put $45 million into the bipartisan American Technology Excellence project to fight off onerous state AI bills across the country, Axios previously reported.
- It's now putting $65 million into Forge the Future and Making Our Tomorrow PACs, which will support Republicans and Democrats, respectively, per the New York Times.
Key players: Longtime Republican operative Brian Baker and Democratic consulting firm Hilltop Public Solutions are involved.
Its affiliates: Meta also last year launched a PAC focused on California, pledging tens of millions to back tech-friendly candidates in state races.
The bottom line: The fight to shape AI policy is coordinated, well-funded and poised to influence the 2026 midterms and beyond.
