NEW YORK — An artificial intelligence industry-backed political action committee has deployed its first campaign spending against New York Assembly member Alex Bores, marking an early test of how the rapidly growing AI sector is seeking to influence U.S. elections and policy debates ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The super PAC, known as Leading the Future, launched advertisements targeting Bores, a Democratic candidate for New York’s 12th Congressional District and a sponsor of New York’s RAISE Act, a state law establishing disclosure and safety requirements for advanced AI systems. The group’s spending represents its first major intervention in a congressional race, according to reports from TechCrunch and NOTUS.
Leading the Future is backed by prominent technology investors and executives, including supporters associated with the artificial intelligence industry. The organization has said it aims to support candidates who favor what it describes as innovation-friendly AI policies. Public reports indicate the group raised substantial funding ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Bores, a former technology worker who helped advance AI regulation in New York, has become a focal point in the debate over government oversight of artificial intelligence. The advertisements criticize his record and policy positions, while supporters of Bores argue that stronger safeguards are necessary as AI systems become more widely deployed.
“I appreciate how straightforward they’re being about it,” Bores said after becoming the PAC’s first target, according to TechCrunch. He has maintained that his support for AI regulation is intended to improve transparency and public safety rather than hinder technological development.
The race has also attracted spending from a rival AI-focused political organization. Public First Action, a PAC backed by funding linked to AI company Anthropic, announced support for Bores and has promoted a platform centered on AI safety standards, transparency and public oversight.
The competing expenditures have transformed the Manhattan-based congressional contest into one of the most closely watched political battlegrounds over AI policy. Industry groups, lawmakers and advocacy organizations increasingly view congressional races as important venues for shaping future federal regulation of artificial intelligence.
According to campaign finance reports and public statements, AI-related political organizations have spent millions of dollars across congressional contests during the 2026 cycle. New York’s 12th District remains one of the most prominent examples of direct competition between groups advocating different approaches to AI governance.
As of Thursday, both Leading the Future and Public First Action continued advertising and outreach efforts in the district ahead of the Democratic primary scheduled for later this month. Election officials have not reported final spending totals, and additional campaign expenditures may still be disclosed before voting concludes.
