A pro-AI Super PAC Targets New York Assembly Member Alex Bores in Congressional Bid
The political action committee Leading the Future, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, has set its sights on New York Assembly member Alex Bores and his congressional campaign as its first target. The super PAC, formed in August with a substantial financial commitment exceeding $100 million, aims to support policymakers who take a hands-off approach to AI regulation, specifically targeting those who advocate for AI regulation.
Leading the Future has garnered support from prominent figures in the tech industry, including Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir and managing partner at 8VC, as well as AI search engine Perplexity.
In response to the PAC’s opposition, Bores expressed appreciation for their direct approach during a recent Journalism Workshop on AGI impacts and governance in Washington D.C. He highlighted the growing concerns among his constituents regarding AI, ranging from the environmental impact of data centers to the potential effects of automation on the job market.
As the chief sponsor of New York’s bipartisan RAISE Act, Bores has been at the forefront of efforts to introduce regulations requiring large AI labs to implement safety plans, disclose critical safety incidents, and adhere to standards to prevent harm. The bill, awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approval, also imposes penalties on AI firms that fail to comply with these regulations.
Despite consulting with major AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic during the bill’s development, Bores faced resistance from Silicon Valley, leading to accusations that his legislation could hinder innovation and economic growth. The heads of Leading the Future, Zac Moffatt and Josh Vlasto, announced plans for a multi-billion dollar campaign to oppose Bores’s candidacy.
In a statement to JS, Moffatt and Vlasto criticized the RAISE Act for creating a patchwork of regulations that could impede American progress in AI and potentially benefit foreign competitors like China. They emphasized the need for a unified national regulatory framework to support economic growth, job creation, and user protection.
While some in Silicon Valley advocate for federal preemption of state AI regulations, Bores argues that states can serve as policy laboratories to address AI issues in the absence of federal action. He has been collaborating with policymakers in other states to develop standardized legislation and ensure alignment with the EU AI Act.
Bores maintains that AI regulation should not stifle innovation and asserts that establishing basic rules for AI is essential for building trust with users and promoting innovation. He believes that government has a role in establishing trust in AI and that industry pushback against regulation is misguided.
