The tech industry is playing a pivotal role in New York’s 12th Congressional District race, with major players taking opposing sides in a battle over artificial intelligence regulation. At the center of this storm is Alex Boresa former computer engineer and New York Assemblyman, who is seeking a promotion to Congress.
Bores’ journey to Congress has become a proxy battle for two competing visions of how government should treat the technology industry and AI. His past work for Palantirwhich he left during Donald Trump‘s first term, adds another layer of complexity to this high-stakes race.
Tech Industry’s Divided Front
The schism in the tech industry mirrors the divide in Silicon Valley. Some tech titans, like Elon Muskhave embraced Trump and his movement, advocating for limited government regulations. However, a significant portion of the industry remains traditionally Democratic, supporting some government safeguards.
Leading the Futurea political group funded by major Trump donors like OpenAI President Greg Brockmanventure capitalist Marc Andreessenand Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdalehas spent over $7.6 million against Bores. The group contends that Bores is the only candidate who is bought and paid for, alleging that Anthropicthe maker of the chatbot Claudeand its investors are funding dark-money groups to support Bores.
Bores’ Stance on AI Regulation
Bores points to his record of crafting AI safety legislation as evidence of his commitment to regulating the industry. The RAISE Actwhich he spearheaded, is considered one of the most sweeping attempts by a state to control new technology. This act requires major AI companies to file reports about safeguards against catastrophic risks that could injure more than 50 people.
Leading the Future opposed Bores’ original proposal but acceded to a modified version that was signed into law. However, the PAC has made clear it hasn’t forgiven Bores and describes his views as extreme. Bores’ opponents in the race have claimed he’s simply a pawn in a corporate battle between OpenAI and Anthropic.
Silicon Valley’s Rescue Mission
In a twist, another wing of Silicon Valley has come to Bores’ rescue. Political groups partly funded by Anthropic have spent over $10 million boosting Bores’ campaign. Crypto billionaire Chris Larsenan Anthropic investor, has pledged another $3.5 million.
Brad Carsona former Democratic congressman from Oklahoma, runs the political action committee Public Firstwhich has spent over $6 million to back Bores through a subsidiary. Carson emphasizes that the enterprise is not simply a battle between two billionaires but a clash of two philosophical movements.
Larsen stated that his decision to get involved resulted directly from OpenAI‘s threats to make examples of candidates who seek common-sense regulation. This intense battle highlights the growing influence of the tech industry in political races and the contentious debate over AI regulation.
