A $100 Million AI Super PAC Targeted New York Democrat Alex Bores. He Thinks It Backfired

Steven

A $100 Million AI Super PAC Targeted New York Democrat Alex Bores. He Thinks It Backfired

Summary

Leading the Future, a newly formed AI-friendly super PAC backed by heavy hitters including Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman and Palantir cofounder Joe Lonsdale, has signalled plans to spend millions to oppose New York Assembly member Alex Bores’s congressional bid after he coauthored the RAISE Act.

The RAISE Act would give New York’s attorney general the power to fine AI developers up to $30 million if they fail to publish safety reports. The bill passed the state legislature and awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. Bores — who has a masters in computer science and previously worked at Palantir — says the PAC’s attack has drawn attention to AI regulation and may have backfired by amplifying his message.

Bores argues for meaningful federal action but defends state-level efforts as necessary if Congress doesn’t act. He frames the conflict as a struggle between well-funded industry interests and elected representatives protecting constituents.

Key Points

  • Leading the Future is a $100m-backed PAC opposing Alex Bores over his role in the RAISE Act.
  • The RAISE Act would allow New York’s attorney general to levy civil penalties (up to $30m) on AI developers that fail to publish safety reports.
  • Backers of the PAC include Andreessen Horowitz, Greg Brockman and Joe Lonsdale; the PAC says it will spend millions to stop Bores and similar policymakers.
  • Bores says the PAC’s targeting has increased his profile and public attention on AI safety — he calls it a potential own goal for the industry.
  • The dispute highlights tensions between state-level AI regulation and efforts by the federal government (including a possible Trump executive order) to pre-empt state laws.
  • Bores stresses the need for practical federal solutions but defends states as laboratories of democracy when Congress fails to act.

Context and Relevance

This story sits at the intersection of technology policy, campaign influence and regulation. It matters because it shows how deep-pocketed tech backers are moving beyond lobbying to direct political spending to shape AI rules — and how those moves can reshape the public debate.

If the PAC’s campaign scales, expect similar fights in other states over safety rules, pre-emption battles at the federal level, and growing scrutiny of how venture and AI leaders use political cash to influence policy. For anyone tracking AI governance or political influence in tech, this is a clear early signal of where the fights will be.

Why should I read this?

Because it’s a quick, smart snapshot of how big AI money is trying to bend the rules — and how that push might boomerang. If you want to understand the politics behind AI regulation (and who’s spending to win it), this saves you time by giving the essentials fast.

Author style

Punchy — the piece cuts to why this matters now and why the clash between regulators and the AI industry could shape policy for years.

Source

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/alex-bores-andreessen-horowitz-super-pac-ai-regulation-new-york/