Big tech spent millions on a single US congressional race. It won’t be the last time
Summary
More than $24 million from pro- and anti-AI groups was spent in a New York congressional primary race, focusing on candidate Alex Bores who sponsored an AI safety bill. The spending showed how the AI industry plans to influence political campaigns, with tech-backed groups and wealthy individuals investing heavily in races before the 2024 midterm elections.Key Facts
- Over $24 million was spent in the New York 12th congressional district Democratic primary, one of the most expensive in the state.
- Pro-AI groups spent more than $8 million opposing Alex Bores, while groups supporting AI regulation spent over $16 million to back him.
- Alex Bores lost the primary to Michael Lasher, who also supported AI safety legislation.
- The race featured prominent candidates, including Jack Schlossberg and George Conway.
- Tech-backed Super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited funds, are investing heavily in upcoming elections.
- Leading the Future, funded by OpenAI’s president and venture capitalists, raised over $75 million this year.
- Anthropic funded Public First Action with more than $20 million, supporting AI regulation.
- Individuals like Elon Musk and Chris Larsen contributed millions to PACs influencing the AI-related political debate.
- The race involved many ads, some misleading, focusing on AI and tech industry influence.
- Alex Bores disputed negative ads about his past work at Palantir, sending a cease-and-desist letter claiming false statements.
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