What AI companies want for the millions they're spending on elections

Artificial intelligence leaders are making significant investments in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, hoping to sway the legislative landscape surrounding AI regulation in Congress. By the end of June, two major political action committees (PACs) dedicated to AI have spent a remarkable $44 million supporting 40 candidates for the House and Senate, according to a CNBC analysis of Federal Election Commission data. This early expenditure is just a glimpse of the more than $200 million these groups are prepared to allocate throughout the election cycle. The rise of the AI industry as a powerful lobbying force in Washington is becoming increasingly evident. With their financial backing, these companies are positioning themselves to influence the formulation of national legislation aimed at regulating AI technologies. Brad Carson, head of the nonprofit Public First Action, notes that discussions around AI legislation have intensified, particularly in light of growing concerns regarding the risks associated with advanced AI models like Mythos and Claude Fable. While it’s unlikely that any significant legislation will pass this year due to the limited legislative calendar, both major political parties recognize the importance of AI regulation as a priority for the future. "These technologies offer numerous benefits but also pose substantial risks. It’s essential that they are not left unchecked, without governmental oversight," Carson explained. Consensus across the political spectrum is forming, as both pro-Trump and anti-Trump factions acknowledge the need for regulation. Josh Vlasto, co-leader of Leading the Future, emphasized the urgency of establishing the right regulatory framework. "We are still in the early phases of this technology's development, yet its adoption is accelerating rapidly. We must act decisively now," he remarked. The PACs supporting AI candidates have seen considerable success in primary races. Out of the 28 candidates supported by Leading the Future, 25 have emerged victorious, while two are still awaiting elections and only one—Jesse Jackson Jr.—has lost. Similarly, Public First Action has backed candidates in 11 races, with all but one winning their primaries. The strategy employed by AI companies is reminiscent of the playbook used by the cryptocurrency sector in previous elections. In 2024, the crypto-backed PAC Fairshake invested a staggering $200 million to support pro-crypto candidates, leading to significant legislative achievements, including a major bill on stablecoins. As of late June, Leading the Future has contributed over $24 million in primary races, claiming to have raised $125 million by the end of 2025 from a range of donors, including notable figures in the tech and investment sectors. Public First Action, which began its operations last year, has already invested $20 million and announced it raised $80 million by mid-year, with a portion of those funds coming from Anthropic, earmarked specifically for public education on AI policy. Despite some competition between the two PACs, their policy positions reveal a more nuanced relationship than a simple pro versus anti-regulation dichotomy. Both advocate for certain regulatory measures, particularly focused on safeguarding children online. However, their views diverge on the contentious issue of whether a federal standard should override state laws on AI. Vlasto argued for a "broad, national framework for AI regulation," while Carson indicated a preference for state laws unless a comprehensive federal approach is developed. Ongoing attempts by Republican leaders to establish such preemptive measures have met with resistance, highlighting the complex dynamics of AI regulation in the political arena. As discussions continue, it is clear that the AI industry is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology legislation.