AI super PAC targets NY Democrat Alex Bores midterms kickoff

A bipartisan super PAC launched by a number of AI leaders has chosen its first target: a Democratic congressional candidate who is leading an effort to impose safeguards on the AI ​​industry.

Alex BoresTrump, a member of the New York State Assembly, is pushing “ideologically and politically motivated legislation” that would “handcuff” the nation’s cap on artificial intelligence, the chairmen of the “Leading the Future” PAC said in a statement Monday morning.

Bores, who is running to represent New York’s 12th Congressional District, co-sponsored the RAISE Act, a New York state-level bill that would require the largest AI companies to issue security protocols in the event of serious misuse of their technology, such as creating biological weapons or carrying out other criminal activities.

The law, which stands for “Responsible AI Safety and Education,” also forces companies to disclose serious incidents or face fines from the state attorney general’s office.

The bill was passed in the state house and senate months agoBut Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who touts AI investments in the Empire State, I haven’t signed yet It became law.

Bores and the bill’s other co-sponsor in the legislature, Andrew Gounardes, argue that the RAISE Act is designed to avoid stifling innovation in the rapidly developing artificial intelligence sector. A controversial bill to erect safety guardrails on artificial intelligence has been introduced in California. vetoed It was made by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in September amid concerns it would have a chilling effect on the industry.

Leading the Future released in the summer He insists that the RAISE Act, with more than $100 million in support, poses the same threat.

“The RAISE Act is a clear example of patchwork, uninformed, and bureaucratic state legislation that will slow America’s progress and open the door for China to win the global race for AI leadership,” the PAC’s leaders, political strategists Zac Moffatt and Josh Vlasto, said in a statement. he said.

“America needs a clear and consistent national regulatory framework for AI that will strengthen our economy, create jobs for American workers, support vibrant communities, and protect users,” they said.

“Bills like the RAISE Act threaten America’s competitiveness, limit economic growth, leave users open to foreign influence and manipulation, and undermine our national security.”

Bores shot back in a statement to CNBC: “I’m a guy with a master’s degree in computer science, two patents, and has been working in technology for almost a decade. If they’re afraid of people who understand their business regulating their business, they’re telling themselves that.”

Later Monday morning, Bores turned the super PAC’s attack into a fundraising opportunity for his congressional primary campaign.

“If you don’t want Trump’s megadonors writing all his tech policies, contribute to help us push back,” he wrote to X.

Leading the Future is backed by venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz. palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, AI search engine company Perplexity, SV Angel founder Ron Conway, and many others.

The group bills itself as a bipartisan organization; Moffatt is the CEO of pro-Republican political strategist Targeted Victory, and Vlasto previously worked for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, DY, and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

In October, NBC News reported that the AI-friendly Trump administration is working to reduce regulatory hurdles and expand the industry in the US. Disappointed with Leading the Future Because of his connection to Democratic operatives.

Leading the Future in August in question It plans to expand operations in New York, California, Illinois and Ohio by the end of the year before launching nationally in 2026.

Next year’s midterm elections will determine which party controls the House and Senate, currently controlled by Republicans.

— CNBC’s Emily Wilkins contributed to this report.