Exclusive: OpenAI’s Brockman and a16Z Funnel Cash to Pro-AI Super PAC
The pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future has raised more than $125 million to influence the 2026 midterms and shape the future of federal AI regulation.
Industry Dynamics
As states race ahead with their own regulations regarding AI, companies are looking towards Washington to establish a single, industry-friendly federal standard.
Financial Overview
According to a press release shared first with Axios, the super PAC currently holds over $70 million in cash-on-hand. Additional support from industry leaders is expected to be announced throughout the 2026 election cycle.
Key Contributors
OpenAI president and co-founder Greg Brockman, 8VC founder and managing partner Joe Lonsdale, and Andreessen Horowitz are among the notable contributors to this fund. Other significant donations have come from SV Angel founder and managing partner Ron Conway and the AI startup Perplexity.
The total of $125 million includes a remarkable $100 million announced at the group’s launch last August.
Strategic Goals
Leading the Future and its network of organizations aim to support candidates in federal races advocating for “a responsible national framework” while opposing those who undermine this goal. At the state level, the super PAC will back candidates who reject a fragmented approach to regulation.
Associated Organizations
Funding will also extend to Build American AI, an affiliated organization focused on advertising for the industry’s legislative agenda. Other offshoots of Leading the Future, such as American Mission PAC and Think Big PAC, report $5 million and $5.4 million in cash-on-hand, respectively.
The Bottom Line
The tech industry is well-funded and prepared to significantly influence upcoming elections, positioning itself as a powerful player in shaping AI policy.
