AI Industry Floods 2026 Primaries with Ads Avoiding AI Topic

Super PACs funded by AI companies are spending millions on congressional races, but their ads focus on other issues like immigration and healthcare instead of artificial intelligence.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Competing super PACs backed by the AI industry are pouring millions of dollars into the 2026 midterm primaries, especially in early races in Texas and North Carolina. However, their ads so far have avoided any mention of artificial intelligence, instead focusing on hot-button issues like immigration, healthcare, and former President Trump. The groups are seeking to shape how AI models and companies are regulated nationwide, but they are not addressing that policy goal directly in their political campaigns.

Why it matters

The AI industry sees the debate over regulating AI as existential for the future of their business, the US economy, and society. The massive spending by these groups in congressional races indicates how high the stakes are, even if their ads are avoiding the actual AI issue.

The details

Two rival umbrella organizations are dominating the AI-backed spending in congressional races. Leading the Future, which has received funding from OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Benjamin Horowitz, is supporting candidates through its affiliated groups Think Big (Democrats) and American Mission (Republicans). Public First, which has received at least $20 million from Anthropic, is countering Leading the Future through its affiliated groups Jobs and Democracy PAC (Democrats) and Defending Our Values (Republicans). The groups are focusing their spending on key primary races, like the crowded Democratic primary to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler in New York and the race between Rep. Valerie Foushee and challenger Nida Allam in North Carolina.

  • The 2026 midterm primaries are already underway, with the earliest contests taking place in Texas and North Carolina.
  • Leading the Future had $39 million banked at the end of 2025.
  • Public First has received at least $20 million from Anthropic.

The players

Leading the Future

A super PAC that has received significant funding from OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, his wife Anna Brockman, and venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Benjamin Horowitz. It is seeking to shape a national framework for AI regulation and criticize the prospect of different state regulations governing the industry.

Public First

A super PAC that has received at least $20 million from the AI company Anthropic. It is seeking to counter Leading the Future and call for more significant regulation on AI.

Brad Carson

A former congressman and Defense Department official who helps lead Public First.

Alex Bores

A New York state legislator and proponent of AI safety regulation who is running for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler.

Rep. Valerie Foushee

A member of the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence who is running for re-election in North Carolina's Research Triangle.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.