Marketplace Tech The rise of the pro-AI PAC
Sep 18, 2025
Amrith Ramkumar, a reporter at The Wall Street Journal who covers technology and politics, discusses the rise of a pro-AI super PAC network aimed at influencing the upcoming elections. He explores how this movement mirrors the cryptocurrency industry's approach to political funding, highlighting their goal of promoting light regulation for AI. With over $100 million already raised, they’ve set their sights on key state-level targets. The conversation examines whether AI regulation is resonating as a significant issue among voters.
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AI Industry Mirrors Crypto Playbook
- AI industry is building a super PAC network called Leading the Future to counter regulation and 'AI doomers'.
- They aim to influence elections and push for lighter regulation to protect industry growth.
Big Money Backing The PAC Network
- Leading the Future has already raised over $100 million from major tech and VC names like Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI executives.
- Prominent backers signal deep-pocketed, organized political influence ahead of midterms.
OpenAI Executives Join The Effort
- OpenAI executives, including Greg Brockman, are directly involved in launching the PAC network.
- The effort also pulls in players from search firms and crypto-linked VC firms.