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AI-linked super PACs spend $37 million on 2026 congressional races
Super PACs tied to Anthropic and OpenAI have spent more than $37 million on congressional primaries this cycle. The groups have outspent candidates in some races and focused on candidates who back differing approaches to AI regulation.
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Super PACs connected to Anthropic and OpenAI have spent more than $37 million on advertisements in congressional races nationwide. One network of groups is linked to Anthropic, the company that developed the Claude AI tool. The other network is linked to OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT. The groups have used generic names such as Jobs and Democracy PAC and American Mission.
Spending in specific races In a Montana Republican primary, a super PAC tied to OpenAI spent $877,000 on ads supporting one candidate. Opponent Al Olszewski said the spending made it impossible for a grassroots campaign to compete. In the Democratic primary for New York’s 12th congressional district, each network spent more than $7.5 million.
The ads targeted state Assembly member Alex Bores, who sponsored a state law requiring AI companies to disclose safety incidents.
Background on the groups OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and his wife Anna provided $25 million to one network. Anthropic contributed $20 million to the other network. The groups have avoided direct references to AI in their advertisements. Anthropic has supported state-level AI regulations in New York and California.
OpenAI has called for regulation only at the federal level. Both companies have stated that the super PACs operate independently from them.
