Tech lobbying & public policy influence stories

Oct 19, 2026

Anthropic and OpenAI funnel $100 million into super PACs for midterm elections

Leading AI companies Anthropic and OpenAI have contributed $100 million to political action committees supporting both Republican and Democratic candidates in the midterm elections, spending nearly $60 million on races as Congress faces pressure to regulate the industry.

Oct 19, 20264 sources

Top claims

▪Anthropic-backed and OpenAI-backed super PACs spent $27 million on opposing sides in the Democratic primary race for New York state legislator Alex Bores' congressional bid.
▪In May 2026, the Campaign Legal Center filed an FEC complaint alleging OpenAI-backed super PACs unlawfully evaded reporting rules by channeling payments for goods and services through Nevada shell companies.
▪As of June 2026, the pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future spent nearly $45 million over roughly a year, retaining $31 million according to FEC filings.

Subtopics

2026 U.S. midterm elections1 AI Industry1 Big tech public policy & lobbying1 Campaign finance1 Elections1 Lobbying1 US midterm elections1

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