Super PACs Gear Up for 2026 Midterm Battle Over AI Policy
America’s artificial intelligence sector has experienced massive growth due to its friendly relationship with the Trump administration; however, more skeptical politicians are determined to ensure that the industry is well-regulated. In response, former U.S. Representatives Chris Stewart (R-UT) and Brad Carson (D-OK) have formed two super PACs specifically aimed at promoting AI guardrails and protecting the public from the technology’s potential dangers.
Goals of Pro-Regulation Super PACs
Stewart and Carson have created two pro-regulation super PACs to help elect candidates from both parties who support stricter AI regulations. These PACs serve as a counter to the pro-AI super PACs founded by tech giants such as Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI, and Meta.
A super PAC is a political action committee that can raise an unlimited amount of money from individuals, unions, and corporations, provided that the contributions do not go directly towards any candidate’s campaign. With the 2026 midterms approaching, tech leaders have been forming their own super PACs to elect pro-AI candidates. The emergence of pro-regulation super PACs threatens to incite a fierce battle within the AI industry as both sides vie for influence over the future of technology legislation.
Key Information About Pro-Regulation Super PACs
In a press release, Stewart and Carson announced their commitment to backing candidates who “are committed to defending the public interest against those who aim to buy their way out of sensible AI regulation.” They also established a nonpartisan nonprofit called Public First to promote AI education among the public and advocate for safety and transparency.
Public First is classified as a dark-money nonprofit, meaning it is not required to disclose its donors. Notably, safety-focused AI developer Anthropic has publicly announced a $20 million donation and is reportedly working on a larger super PAC strategy to support pro-regulation candidates in Washington. This directly opposes groups like Leading the Future, which has received significant funding from Anthropic’s competitor OpenAI to push an anti-regulation agenda.
“There are few organized efforts to mobilize individuals and politicians who understand the stakes involved in AI development. Meanwhile, vast resources have flowed to organizations that oppose these efforts,” Anthropic stated. “The AI policy decisions we make in the next few years will touch nearly every aspect of public life… We don’t want to sit on the sidelines while these policies are being developed.”
While Public First’s initiatives are still in their early stages, they have several plans in the works, including a television ad campaign thanking Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican running for governor, for her contributions to tech policy. They also plan to support Republican Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska in his re-election campaign, highlighting his advocacy for AI safety.
Challenges Faced by Pro-Regulation Efforts
Unfortunately for proponents of AI regulations, Big Tech is already ahead of the game. Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI president Greg Brockman are among the founders of the super PAC Leading the Future, launched in August. This PAC allows tech companies to back candidates who favor AI-friendly policies while targeting those calling for stricter regulations.
Shortly after, Meta launched its own super PAC named Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California, aimed at electing candidates in California who support lenient regulations and AI innovation. They also created another super PAC called the American Technology Excellence Project to undermine strict AI regulations in other states.
Together, these super PACs pose a significant threat to broader regulation efforts and are likely to enjoy the upper hand under a pro-AI administration. However, the pro-regulation faction is gaining momentum, as public concern about unregulated AI continues to rise.
Reasons for Increased AI Regulation
Political efforts to rein in AI are a direct response to public fears surrounding job losses, mental health impacts, and privacy violations.
Potential Job Losses Due to AI
Concerns about AI taking jobs are becoming a reality, as automation disrupts traditional career paths. The U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would require businesses to provide more data on the impact of AI on their workforces. Meanwhile, fears of AI-induced job losses persist.
Negative Mental Health Effects
Excessive use of chatbots can lead to cases of “AI psychosis,” where users experience delusional thinking and lose touch with reality. Such situations have resulted in job loss, arrests, and even fatalities, along with a growing number of lawsuits against AI companies for failing to implement safeguards for users.
Privacy and Security Concerns
AI systems are leading to the development of AI-powered browsers, search engines, and devices, complicating data protection efforts. Anthropic documented the first AI-orchestrated cyberattack, highlighting that agentic AI could pose significant cybersecurity threats if not managed properly.
Energy Demands of AI
AI consumes vast amounts of energy, straining local ecosystems and resulting in higher electricity costs for communities. This increased demand is drawing attention to AI’s environmental impact, particularly as infrastructure projects are ramped up.
Impact of AI Regulation on the 2026 Midterms
Anxiety surrounding AI continues to rise, with half of Americans feeling more concerned than excited about its growing role in daily life, according to the Pew Research Center. This sentiment spans both major political parties, indicating that AI regulation is likely to remain a crucial issue in the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump’s executive order banning state laws on AI aligns him with tech titans, which has upset some of his supporters who value states’ rights. If not careful, this could lead to a backlash against AI, giving Democrats the opportunity to reclaim congressional seats and potentially the presidency, thus reshaping America’s approach to AI regulation.
