Marketplace All-in-One The rise of the pro-AI PAC
Sep 18, 2025
In a fascinating discussion, Amrith Ramkumar, a technology and politics reporter for The Wall Street Journal, highlights the emerging pro-AI super PAC network aiming to influence the 2024 election. He explains how this initiative is mirroring the cryptocurrency industry's strategy for political spending, amassing over $100 million from major backers like Andreessen Horowitz. Ramkumar also delves into the PAC's focus on light regulatory frameworks for AI and explores public sentiment, revealing that while voters want some AI safeguards, it hasn’t yet become a pressing issue.
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AI Adopts Crypto's Playbook
- The AI industry is copying crypto's political playbook by forming a super PAC network to influence elections and regulation.
- Leading the Future has raised over $100 million and recruits heavy hitters like Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI executives.
Targeting State And Federal Battlegrounds
- The super PACs focus on states like New York, California, Illinois and Ohio plus federal actions that could create patchwork rules.
- AI executives fear fragmented state laws will hinder fast deployment and scaling of AI products.
Regulation Framed As 'Sensible' Or 'Too Light'
- The PACs claim to want sensible federal guardrails to avoid inconsistent state rules while critics call that stance effectively no regulation.
- The debate frames Democrats as skeptical that tech-friendly frameworks will protect consumers and workers sufficiently.