a16z-backed super PAC is targeting Alex Bores, sponsor of New York’s AI safety bill. He says bring it on.

A pro-AI super PAC, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, has set its sights on New York Assembly member Alex Bores as its inaugural target in the political arena. Named Leading the Future, this PAC was established in August with a substantial commitment of over $100 million aimed at supporting policymakers who advocate for minimal or no regulations regarding artificial intelligence. Bores, who is vying for a congressional seat representing New York’s 12th District, has emerged as a prominent figure opposing the unchecked expansion of AI technologies. Speaking to journalists at a recent workshop focused on artificial general intelligence (AGI) impacts in Washington D.C., Bores remarked on the PAC's tactics. "When they openly declare their intention to spend millions against me due to my efforts to regulate Big Tech and establish basic safety measures for AI, I simply relay that to my constituents," he stated. The growing concerns regarding AI among Bores's constituents range from rising utility costs due to data centers to the potential mental health impacts of chatbots on children, as well as the broader implications of automation on employment. Bores is the primary sponsor of the bipartisan RAISE Act, which mandates that significant AI laboratories implement safety plans to avert critical risks, adhere to these plans, and report significant safety incidents, such as theft of AI models. The bill also aims to prevent companies from releasing AI models that pose unreasonable risks, with potential civil penalties reaching $30 million for non-compliance. Currently, the legislation awaits the approval of Governor Kathy Hochul. During the bill's development, Bores engaged with major AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, in discussions that led to the exclusion of certain provisions, such as third-party safety audits, which were not well-received by the industry. Despite these compromises, the RAISE Act has drawn the ire of several Silicon Valley leaders. Zac Moffatt and Josh Vlasto, who lead Leading the Future, shared with Politico their intent to launch a multi-billion dollar campaign to undermine Bores's election efforts. They criticized the RAISE Act as ideologically charged legislation that could jeopardize not only New York’s but the nation’s competitive edge in AI jobs and innovation. In a written statement, Moffatt and Vlasto claimed that legislation like the RAISE Act inhibits economic growth, exposes users to foreign threats, and undermines national security. They argue for a unified national regulatory framework for AI that would bolster the economy, create jobs, and protect consumers. This sentiment echoes a broader trend in Silicon Valley, where there has been significant pushback against state-level AI regulations. Bores expressed concern over the growing momentum for federal measures that could hinder state-led regulatory efforts, particularly at a time when Congress has yet to pass any substantial AI regulations. He highlighted the potential for states to act as innovative policy laboratories, capable of rapidly testing effective solutions. "If Congress isn't addressing the issues, it seems illogical to restrict states from acting," Bores commented. Additionally, Bores is in collaboration with legislators in other states to work towards standardized AI legislation, aiming to address concerns regarding a fragmented regulatory landscape. He emphasized that the goal of AI regulation is not to stifle innovation but to establish clear guidelines that promote trustworthiness in AI technologies. "Basic rules can actually foster innovation when implemented correctly," he concluded, reinforcing his belief that the future of successful AI hinges on trust and responsible governance.