AI Super PAC Targets NY Democrat Alex Bores’ Midterm Campaign Launch

A newly formed bipartisan super PAC, “Leading the Future,” backed by prominent figures in the artificial intelligence industry, has launched its first campaign targeting New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores. Bores, a Democrat running for Congress in New York’s 12th Congressional District, is facing criticism for his role in championing AI safety regulations.

The PAC alleges that Bores’ efforts to implement safety measures on the AI industry, specifically his co-sponsorship of the RAISE Act, could “handcuff” the nation’s competitive edge in the burgeoning field. The RAISE Act, or “Responsible AI Safety and Education” act, mandates that large AI companies operating in New York State disclose safety protocols related to potential misuse of their technology, including scenarios involving biological weapons or other criminal activities. Furthermore, the Act requires companies to report serious incidents or face potential civil penalties from the state attorney general.

While the bill has passed both the state assembly and senate, it awaits the signature of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who, despite advocating for AI investments in the state, has yet to approve the legislation. The delay underscores the complex balancing act between fostering innovation and mitigating potential risks associated with rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Leading the Future, which debuted earlier this year with over $100 million in pledged funding, asserts that the RAISE Act presents a significant threat to U.S. leadership in AI. “The RAISE Act is a clear example of the patchwork, uninformed, and bureaucratic state laws that would slow American progress and open the door for China to win the global race for AI leadership,” stated Zac Moffatt and Josh Vlasto, political strategists leading the PAC.

The PAC advocates for a unified national AI framework instead of state-level regulations. “America needs one clear and consistent national regulatory framework for AI that strengthens our economy, creates jobs for American workers, supports vibrant communities, and protects users,” they argue, emphasizing concerns that bills like the RAISE Act could undermine national security and economic competitiveness.

Bores, in response to the PAC’s criticism, defended his stance. “I am someone with a master’s in computer science, two patents, and nearly a decade working in tech,” Bores told CNBC. “If they are scared of people who understand their business regulating their business, they are telling on themselves.” Bores subsequently leveraged the super PAC’s attack to galvanize support for his congressional campaign, highlighting the role of large donors in shaping tech policy debates.

The clash highlights the deepening divide in the AI sector over the appropriate level of regulation. Proponents of stricter oversight argue that proactive measures are essential to prevent potential harms, while opponents warn that excessive regulation could stifle innovation and hand an advantage to international competitors. The debate also centers on the technical complexities of AI governance, with questions arising about the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed safety protocols.

Leading the Future’s backers include prominent Silicon Valley investors and AI company founders, including Andreessen Horowitz, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, AI search engine company Perplexity, and SV Angel founder Ron Conway. The diverse coalition reflects the broad support for a less regulated AI landscape within certain segments of the tech industry.

The PAC’s emergence and its focus on Bores underscores the growing political salience of AI policy. With projections indicating substantial economic and societal transformation driven by AI, lawmakers are increasingly grappling with the challenges of regulating this complex technology. The outcome of this debate will likely have far-reaching implications for the trajectory of AI innovation and its impact on the global economy. The involvement of seasoned political strategists on both sides of this issue signals a new era of sophisticated lobbying and public advocacy surrounding AI policy, marking a significant evolution in the ongoing conversation about responsible AI development and deployment.

The PAC is led by strategists with ties to both Republican and Democratic parties, with Zac Moffatt having worked with Republican campaigns and Josh Vlasto previously serving Democratic leaders. Despite the bipartisan appearance, reports have suggested that some within the Trump administration, which favored deregulation, have voiced concerns about Leading the Future’s connections to Democratic operatives.

Leading the Future plans to expand its operations to key states, including New York, California, Illinois, and Ohio, with a broader national presence anticipated by 2026. The 2026 midterm elections will be pivotal in determining the balance of power in Congress, further amplifying the significance of AI policy discussions.