What Pro-AI Super PACs Could Mean for AI Regulation
Artificial intelligence has officially become a hot-button issue, disrupting everything from the domestic job market to international relations. As the 2026 midterms draw nearer, conversations around how to regulate AI are heating up, and those in Silicon Valley are eager to seat the right candidates at the table to steer the discussions in their favor.
Why Are Tech Companies Making Pro-AI Super PACs?
Tech companies are positioning themselves to take advantage of a pro-AI president in Donald Trump, who advocates for more AI development and fewer regulations. U.S. companies worry that other countries, mainly China, will get ahead in the AI race and seek politicians who will pass laws prioritizing AI advancement and maintaining U.S. dominance in the industry.
Some prominent names in AI, such as Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI, have teamed up to lead a pro-AI super PAC, while Meta has launched its own as well. The rise of these pro-AI super PACs raises the stakes for upcoming elections and reveals their importance for future policymaking and AI development in the United States.
What to Know About Big Tech’s Pro-AI Super PACs
Silicon Valley is flexing its political influence through several super PACs, including:
- Leading the Future
- Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California
- The American Technology Excellence Project
Leading the Future
Led by OpenAI President Greg Brockman and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, this super PAC aims to advocate for pro-AI candidates regardless of party affiliation while undermining those who believe AI is advancing too quickly. The PAC raised $125 million in 2025 and is anticipating more donations in 2026.
The group’s first target is New York Assembly member Alex Bores, who is sponsoring the bipartisan RAISE Act, requiring large AI labs to implement safety plans. The PAC views such legislation as an obstacle to U.S. leadership in AI jobs and innovation.
Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California
Launched by Meta, this super PAC plans to invest millions to boost candidates in California who support AI-friendly policies. This move comes amid the 2026 California governor’s race, positioning Meta to solidify its influence in the state’s AI landscape.
The American Technology Excellence Project
This super PAC, also created by Meta, aims to combat what it sees as onerous state-level AI policy bills across the country. With over 1,100 AI-related bills introduced nationwide, the PAC is set to be one of the largest corporate spenders in the 2026 midterm elections.
AI’s Growing Influence Over Washington
As pro-AI super PACs gain attention, AI lobbying has been steadily increasing. The number of clients lobbying on AI-related issues rose from 270 in 2019 to 566 in 2023, with spending reaching $36 million on federal lobbying in the first half of 2025.
This surge in lobbying efforts illustrates Silicon Valley’s growing influence in shaping AI policies, as the U.S. House of Representatives even added a provision to a major bill aimed at banning all state AI regulations.
What’s Behind This AI Political Push Right Now?
The current political climate is favorable for AI companies, especially with Trump in office, who has shown support for the growth of AI businesses. However, the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese competitor, has intensified the urgency for U.S. tech companies to secure pro-AI policies to maintain their competitive edge.
DeepSeek’s recent model release poses a challenge to U.S.-based companies, leading to a push for candidates who will promote AI progress and counter threats from foreign competitors.
What Pro-AI PACs Could Mean for the Future of AI Regulation
For Big Tech, AI regulation is only welcomed if it aids the technology’s growth. Pro-AI PACs serve as vehicles to ensure policymakers accelerate AI development while removing legal obstacles in its path. A Congress filled with AI advocates could make passing regulations related to data protection or ethical AI use nearly impossible.
If the election spending by pro-AI PACs pays off, it could lead to the deregulation long desired by the tech industry, tightening their grip on the global AI market for years to come.
