A New York primary winner has a defiant message for OpenAI and Anthropic

In a decisive victory in New York's 12th congressional district, Micah Lasher emerged as the Democratic nominee, capturing 39.1% of the vote amidst a competitive field of eight candidates. Following his win, Lasher delivered a pointed message directed at major players in the artificial intelligence sector, particularly OpenAI and Anthropic. During a celebration rally at Jacob's Pickles, a well-known eatery in Manhattan, Lasher stated, "I have some news for the two big AI companies who've taken such an unusual interest in who won this congressional seat. I won't be taking my cues from either of you when it comes to protecting our kids, our jobs." This bold assertion underlines his skepticism toward the tech giants and their influence over political outcomes. Throughout his campaign, Lasher positioned himself as a critic of Silicon Valley's push for less regulation, voicing concerns that AI technology could lead to job displacement, worsen social inequalities, and pose environmental risks. He has been particularly vocal about the significant energy demands and rapid growth of AI data centers, which are increasingly becoming a contentious issue in regulatory discussions. The election in Manhattan highlighted a deeper divide within the tech community regarding AI regulation, as significant financial resources were invested to sway the election. Notably, the super PAC Think Big, which is backed by figures from OpenAI and Andreessen Horowitz, spent approximately $8 million to hinder the campaign of Assemblymember Alex Bores, a Democrat advocating for stronger AI protections. In contrast, proponents of more stringent AI regulations, including the Jobs and Democracy PAC supported by Anthropic and Adobe, invested over $13 million to bolster Bores' candidacy. As New York takes a more proactive stance on regulating the AI industry, the state's lawmakers have been exploring measures to pause new data center permits while assessing their effects on the electric grid, utility costs, water usage, and climate initiatives. Lasher is a co-sponsor of the Responsible AI Safety and Education Act, which aims to implement safeguards for advanced AI systems. This legislation has made him a target for some factions within the AI sector. Neither Anthropic, OpenAI, nor Lasher's campaign provided immediate comments regarding the election results or the ongoing regulatory discussions.