AI industry super PAC raises $125 million in 2025

In a significant move for the artificial intelligence sector, a new super PAC named Leading the Future has successfully raised $125 million in 2025. This initiative aims to support candidates who advocate for national AI regulations instead of a fragmented, state-by-state approach. As the year closed, the PAC reported having $70 million available, a promising start since its inception last summer. The announcement came just prior to the PAC's first campaign finance report, highlighting its rapid growth and ambition. The urgency for a cohesive regulatory framework is underscored by the fact that numerous states are either implementing or considering their own AI legislation, which could lead to a confusing patchwork of rules. Industry leaders warn that this could hinder advancements in technology. Political strategists Zac Moffatt and Josh Vlasto, who are at the helm of the PAC, emphasized the importance of maintaining leadership in AI innovation for economic growth and national security. They stated, "Lawmakers cannot afford to be distracted by divisive politics that may set us back in the global arena. Candidates who understand the gravity of the situation can count on our support to amplify their message." Although the full details regarding the PAC's expenditures and donors remain under wraps, it has already made its presence known in the upcoming midterm elections. The group is actively opposing Alex Bores, a Democratic candidate for a congressional seat in Manhattan, who played a key role in advocating for New York's newly adopted AI regulations. Conversely, it is backing Chris Gober, a Republican congressional candidate from Texas. Leading the Future has pledged to support candidates from both major parties and is linked to the advocacy organization Build American AI, which has initiated a $10 million campaign aimed at promoting a standardized national AI policy. Notable contributors to the PAC include the private equity firm Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, SV Angel founder Ron Conway, and the AI software company Perplexity.