AI Regulation Battle Heats Up Ahead of Midterms

Industry-backed super PAC and pro-regulation groups launch ad blitz in key races

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Millions of dollars are being spent on advertisements by both industry-backed groups and those supporting stronger AI regulation, as the battle over the future of AI policy heats up ahead of the midterm elections. A super PAC funded by major AI players is targeting lawmakers who have pushed for state-level AI regulations, while other groups are running ads calling for federal safeguards on the technology.

Why it matters

The fight over AI regulation is a high-stakes issue for the industry, which is seeking a federal framework that would preempt state-level rules. However, some lawmakers and advocacy groups argue that state-level regulations are necessary to protect the public interest as AI rapidly advances. The outcome of these political battles could have significant implications for the future development and oversight of AI technologies.

The details

The industry's main super PAC, Leading the Future, has raised over $125 million and is spending millions to support candidates who back a "pro-growth, pro-innovation AI policy" and a national regulatory framework. This includes targeting New York state assemblymember Alex Bores, who sponsored a law requiring AI developers to report safety incidents. Meanwhile, groups like Public First Action and the Future of Life Institute are running ads calling for stronger AI safeguards and supporting candidates committed to defending the public interest against industry influence.

  • In December 2025, the RAISE Act was signed into law in New York, requiring large AI developers to publish safety protocols and report incidents.
  • In late 2022, Congress sought to add a provision preempting state AI regulations to a must-pass defense bill, but it was ultimately not included.

The players

Leading the Future

A super PAC backed by several major AI players, including OpenAI, Andreessen Horowitz, and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale. The group has a multimillion-dollar war chest and is spending heavily to support candidates opposed to state-level AI regulations.

Alex Bores

A New York state assemblymember who sponsored the RAISE Act, which requires large AI developers to publish safety protocols and report incidents. Bores has become a key target of Leading the Future and its affiliated super PACs.

Public First Action

A group launched by former Reps. Brad Carson and Chris Stewart to advance AI safeguards and support candidates "committed to defending the public interest against those who aim to buy their way out of sensible AI regulation."

Future of Life Institute

A non-profit focused on preventing large-scale risks from AI technology, which has launched an $8 million ad campaign across several states calling for AI regulation.

Anthropic

An AI company that has given $20 million to Public First Action, one of the few industry players joining the push for stronger AI regulation.

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What’s next

The judge in the case against Alex Bores will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This battle over AI regulation highlights the high stakes for the industry as it seeks to shape the rules governing the technology's development and use. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the future of AI in the United States and the balance between innovation and public safeguards.