AI-linked super PACs spend $43.3 million in congressional races

Super PACs connected to artificial intelligence companies have spent $43.3 million on congressional races during the current midterm cycle, according to OpenSecrets data cited by NPR. The largest single contest involves New York state assemblyman Alex Bores, who entered the Democratic primary for the state's 12th Congressional District in October 2025.

Groups linked to OpenAI and Anthropic have spent more than $15 million supporting and opposing Bores, per Federal Election Commission filings.

Spending patterns Leading the Future, funded in part by OpenAI president Greg Brockman and Andreessen Horowitz, has raised more than $75 million and spent $23.5 million across races in Texas, Georgia, Illinois, and Montana. Public First-affiliated committees, backed by Anthropic's $20 million contribution, have spent $16.6 million in North Carolina, Texas, and Utah.

Meta has funded super PACs targeting AI policy in Texas and California, while Google has backed a committee focused on California state legislative races. Crypto investor Chris Larsen launched a super PAC that spent nearly $2 million supporting Bores.

Legislative context Bores co-sponsored New York's Responsible AI Safety and Education Act, which requires companies to report safety incidents. After he entered the race, OpenAI-aligned groups ran ads arguing that state-level rules would create conflicting standards.

Anthropic, which has called for greater federal regulation, directed funds to counter those efforts. Both companies plan initial public offerings later this year. Michael Beckel of Issue One said the spending influences which perspectives reach lawmakers drafting legislation.