^{Photo: The New York Times}

Super PAC Takes Aim at AI Regulation
A bipartisan super PAC backed by prominent leaders in the artificial intelligence sector is making its first political move ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, targeting New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores. The group, called “Leading the Future,” criticized Bores for co-sponsoring the RAISE Act, a state-level bill that mandates large AI companies to disclose safety protocols for serious misuse and report significant incidents under threat of civil penalties.

The PAC, launched over the summer with more than $100 million in funding, includes heavyweights such as venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, AI search engine Perplexity, and SV Angel founder Ron Conway. Political strategists Zac Moffatt and Josh Vlasto, leading the PAC, described the RAISE Act as a “patchwork, uninformed” law that could slow U.S. AI development and cede technological leadership to China.

The RAISE Act and Industry Response
The Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act passed both chambers of the New York legislature months ago but has yet to be signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, who has championed AI investments in the state. The legislation requires companies to outline safety measures against misuse, including criminal applications, and to publicly disclose incidents of serious concern.

Bores and co-sponsor Assemblymember Andrew Gounardes have defended the bill as balanced, arguing it protects public safety without stifling innovation. California’s similar legislation was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom last September amid fears it would create a chilling effect on the fast-moving AI sector.

Super PAC Claims Threat to U.S. Competitiveness
Leading the Future asserts that state-level bills like the RAISE Act fragment regulatory oversight and risk weakening U.S. leadership in AI. The PAC’s leaders argue that a consistent national framework is necessary to support innovation, job growth, and national security. “Bills like the RAISE Act threaten American competitiveness, limit economic growth, leave users exposed to foreign influence, and undermine our national security,” the PAC said in a statement.

Bores fired back, highlighting his technical background, including a master’s degree in computer science, two patents, and nearly a decade in the tech industry. He turned the PAC’s attack into a campaign fundraising push, urging supporters to counteract the influence of large tech donors.

Political and Industry Implications
The PAC claims its initiative is bipartisan. Moffatt, a Republican strategist, and Vlasto, who has worked for Democratic leaders including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, lead the organization. Leading the Future plans to expand operations in New York, California, Illinois, and Ohio before pursuing a national presence in 2026.

As the midterm elections approach, the first moves by industry-backed PACs like this one may signal an intensifying battle over AI policy and legislative influence. With Republicans currently controlling both the House and Senate, these efforts could shape the regulatory landscape for AI companies for years to come.