Anthropic-backed PAC boosts NY candidate targeted by rival AI group

The dueling PACs have different visions for AI regulation and oversight

Feb. 20, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A pro-AI super PAC backed by over $100 million from tech investors has launched a $1.1 million ad campaign attacking New York Assembly member Alex Bores, who is running for Congress. Bores sponsored a state bill requiring AI developers to disclose safety protocols and report misuse. Now, a PAC funded by a $20 million donation from Anthropic is spending $450,000 to support Bores, pitching a different vision centered on AI transparency and public oversight.

Why it matters

The race has become a proxy battle over the future of AI regulation, with industry-backed groups opposing Bores' transparency and oversight measures, while Anthropic's PAC is supporting him. The outcome could shape how AI systems are developed and deployed in the United States.

The details

Leading the Future, the pro-AI super PAC, has already poured $1.1 million into ads attacking Bores, largely because he sponsored New York's RAISE Act, which requires major AI developers to disclose safety protocols and report serious misuse of their systems. In contrast, Public First Action, the PAC backed by Anthropic, is spending $450,000 to boost Bores, pitching a vision centered on transparency, safety standards, and public oversight.

  • Bores became the target of Leading the Future's campaign late last year.
  • Public First Action is now spending $450,000 to support Bores in the race for New York's 12th congressional district.

The players

Alex Bores

New York Assembly member running for Congress in the 12th district, who sponsored the RAISE Act requiring AI developers to disclose safety protocols and report misuse.

Leading the Future

A pro-AI super PAC armed with over $100 million from backers including Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, AI search startup Perplexity, and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale.

Public First Action

A PAC backed by a $20 million donation from Anthropic, supporting Bores and pitching a vision of AI transparency, safety standards, and public oversight.

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What’s next

The outcome of the race could shape how AI systems are developed and deployed in the United States.

The takeaway

The dueling PACs represent competing visions for the future of AI regulation, with industry-backed groups opposing transparency measures and Anthropic's PAC supporting them. The race has become a proxy battle over the balance between innovation and public oversight of emerging technologies.