Scoop: Pro-AI super PAC endorses three Dems
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Leading the Future, the pro-AI super PAC backed by major tech names, is endorsing three more Democrats in upcoming primaries, the group told Axios exclusively.
- The latest Democratic candidates to get the group's endorsement are Val Hoyle (OR-4), Rob Menendez (NJ-8) and Richie Torres (NY-15).
Why it matters: The pro-AI super PAC is continuing to spend big on candidates it thinks will boost their preferred policies, even as policy fights over AI in Washington get more complicated.
- All three candidates have said AI needs to be regulated for various reasons, including privacy, security, jobs and the environment.
- The super PAC has said its main goal is electing candidates from both parties who support federal policy on AI to ensure there isn't a fragmented, state-by-state approach.
What they're saying: "We are proud to support these leaders and look forward to continuing to build a broad coalition of policymakers at the federal and state level who believe in putting the politics and extremes aside," Josh Vlasto, co-leader of Leading the Future, told Axios.
- Candidates the group supports "will work together to pass a strong and smart national regulatory framework for AI that creates jobs for American workers, wins the race against China, and protects the safety of kids, users and communities."
- The super PAC's backers include OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, and longtime tech VC Ron Conway.
The big picture: The work of pro- and anti-AI super PACs to elect the candidates they want is getting more interesting as the regulatory conversation shifts and voters grow increasingly wary of AI.
- Axios has previously reported on the people behind these PACs and who's backing them — see our handy guide here.
