New Pro-AI Group Backed by Trump Allies Plans $100M Midterm Spending Push

Innovation Council Action aims to support candidates favoring AI deregulation ahead of 2026 elections.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A new pro-AI political group called Innovation Council Action is planning to spend over $100 million in the 2026 midterm elections to support candidates who favor deregulation and oppose stricter AI rules. The group is championed by tech investor and former White House AI adviser David Sacks and is closely aligned with former President Donald Trump's agenda. The move underscores how AI is becoming a central political battleground, with deep-pocketed groups preparing to reward allies and pressure critics ahead of the elections.

Why it matters

The massive spending push by Innovation Council Action highlights the growing political influence of the tech industry, particularly around the issue of AI regulation. As AI becomes more pervasive, there is an intense debate over the appropriate level of government oversight, with industry groups pushing for less regulation and consumer advocates calling for stronger safeguards. This influx of political spending could tip the scales in favor of the industry's preferred candidates and policies.

The details

Innovation Council Action plans to support candidates who favor deregulation while opposing those pushing for stricter AI rules. The group has developed a scorecard to rank lawmakers based on their alignment with Trump's AI agenda, which it will use to guide its political spending. The organization has been quietly building its presence in Washington, opening a D.C. office and raising funds since late last year. This marks a major escalation in efforts to shape U.S. tech policy, as other pro-industry groups like Leading the Future and a Meta-backed super PAC are also pouring millions into AI-focused political spending.

  • Innovation Council Action has been raising funds and building its presence in Washington since late 2025.
  • The group plans to spend over $100 million in the 2026 midterm elections.

The players

Innovation Council Action

A new pro-AI political group that is planning to spend over $100 million in the 2026 midterm elections to support candidates who favor deregulation and oppose stricter AI rules.

David Sacks

A tech investor and former White House AI adviser who is championing Innovation Council Action and aligning the group with former President Donald Trump's agenda.

Taylor Budowich

The founder of Innovation Council Action, who has stated that the group exists to 'back up the policymakers who stand with the president and will hold accountable the ones who don't'.

Leading the Future

Another pro-industry group that has reported raising $50 million from tech figures including Greg Brockman, Joe Lonsdale and Marc Andreessen to influence AI policy.

Meta

The tech company that is backing a separate super PAC expected to spend roughly $65 million, with a focus on state-level races related to AI.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump has made it clear, America will win the AI race against China, period. He built the framework, he's leading from the front, and this organization exists to make sure he doesn't fight that battle alone.”

— Taylor Budowich, Founder, Innovation Council Action

“The cavalry is coming to back up the policymakers who stand with the president and will hold accountable the ones who don't.”

— Taylor Budowich, Founder, Innovation Council Action

What’s next

Innovation Council Action plans to use its newly developed scorecard to guide its political spending in the months leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, rewarding candidates who align with the group's pro-AI deregulation agenda.

The takeaway

The massive spending push by Innovation Council Action, along with other pro-industry groups, highlights the growing political influence of the tech sector, particularly around the issue of AI regulation. This influx of political spending could have a significant impact on the 2026 midterm elections and the future of AI policy in the United States.