As the 2026 midterm elections loom, New York City’s Democratic primary for the 12th Congressional District has emerged as a focal point in the escalating battle over artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. With a staggering $100 million raised by AI-centric Super PACs this election cycle, nearly half of that funding is being funneled into the Manhattan race, positioning it as a critical juncture in the ongoing debate about the future of AI legislation in the United States.
Super PAC Spending Reaches New Heights
The financial stakes in the NY-12 primary have reached unprecedented levels, with a significant portion of the $49 million already spent targeting Assemblymember Alex Bores, a Democratic candidate with a background in technology. Bores has become the unlikely face of a struggle between competing factions within the tech industry, all vying for influence over the regulatory landscape surrounding AI.
The surge in spending began following Bores’ introduction of the Raise Act, a landmark piece of legislation requiring major AI developers to disclose their public safety strategies. The response from his opponents has been fierce, with a barrage of attack ads funded by Think Big, a Super PAC associated with Leading the Future, which has invested $8.2 million in the race. This organisation is backed by high-profile tech investors, including Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, who advocate for a cohesive federal framework for AI regulation, fearing a fragmented state-by-state approach could jeopardise US competitiveness in the global tech arena.
Countering the Ad Blitz
In response to the aggressive campaign against him, Bores has found allies in other Super PACs advocating for enhanced AI safeguards. Groups such as You Can Push Back, funded by crypto entrepreneur Chris Larsen, and Jobs and Democracy, a Democratic-affiliated entity, have raised substantial funds to counteract the messaging from Leading the Future. Their campaigns frame Bores as a defender against “right-wing billionaires” attempting to exert undue influence over political processes.
As the race intensifies, Bores is framing the primary as a referendum on AI regulation itself. “This is the first congressional race in the country where the dividing line is: can we regulate AI at all?” he states in a campaign video. Polling suggests that Bores’ profile has risen significantly, with indications of a competitive race against fellow Democratic contender Micah Lasher, who has also advocated for regulatory measures on AI.
The Broader Political Landscape
The dynamics of the NY-12 race reflect a larger trend in the intersection of technology and politics. According to Brookings Institution research, New York City is the most “AI-exposed” area in the nation, with a significant portion of its workforce in roles susceptible to AI disruption. This demographic is likely to be a key voter bloc, particularly as concerns about the rapid pace of AI development grow.
However, the backing of Super PACs like Public First, which has positioned itself as a counter to Big Tech’s influence, raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. The organisation has reportedly amassed $45 million from various industry sources, including a $20 million contribution from the AI firm Anthropic. This has led to scepticism about the motivations behind their support for candidates like Bores, particularly given Anthropic’s stance on developing responsible AI technologies.
The Future of AI Regulation
As the primary heats up, the strategies employed by both sides echo previous high-stakes political campaigns in the tech sector. The heavy financial backing from AI-focused groups could mirror the crypto industry’s successful push in the last election cycle, which saw over $200 million in PAC money backing pro-crypto candidates. Yet, the political climate surrounding AI appears less favourable, with a recent YouGov poll indicating that two-thirds of Americans believe AI is advancing too quickly, and a mere 20% view its economic impact positively.
The political landscape is fraught with uncertainty. As Henry Ajder, a generative AI expert, points out, the perception of tech companies as opaque entities making decisions that do not benefit the public may be influencing voter sentiment across the political spectrum.
Why it Matters
The outcome of the NY-12 primary could set a significant precedent for how AI is regulated in the United States. As candidates like Alex Bores battle not only for a congressional seat but also for the direction of AI legislation, the implications extend beyond New York City, potentially shaping national policy and the future landscape of the tech industry. With public opinion increasingly wary of unchecked technological advancement, this race is not just about politics but the broader ethical considerations surrounding one of the most transformative technologies of our time.
