Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Alex Bores' Departure from Palantir Amid Congressional Bid
2/14/2026, 3:35:07 AM
Background on Alex Bores
Alex Bores, a New York State assemblymember, is campaigning to succeed retiring Representative Jerrold Nadler in the 12th Congressional District. Bores, a former software engineer, worked at Palantir Technologies from 2014 until 2019, where he held a position as a software engineer before transitioning into politics. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2022 and has positioned himself as a critic of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), making this a focal point of his congressional campaign.
Departure from Palantir
Bores resigned from Palantir in February 2019, shortly after receiving a formal warning regarding allegedly sexually explicit comments made to a colleague. According to reports, the warning was related to an incident where Bores recounted an off-color anecdote from a client meeting with Kimberly-Clark. The anecdote involved a discussion about tissue usage that included an implicit reference to masturbation. Following the complaint, Bores was questioned by the company's human resources department, but his camp asserts that the matter was ultimately dropped without formal disciplinary action.
Bores publicly stated that he left Palantir in protest of the company's contracts with ICE, claiming, “I quit Palantir over its ICE contract, choosing principle over my career and millions of dollars.” His spokesperson, Alyssa Cass, has characterized the allegations surrounding his departure as exaggerated, asserting that Bores had already secured another job offer before resigning and that the timeline presented by Bloomberg News was inaccurate.
Official Statements & Responses
Bores' camp has strongly denied the characterization of his departure from Palantir, with Cass stating, “the matter was dropped” after HR's inquiry and labeling the Bloomberg report as “a wildly overblown characterization.” She emphasized that Bores was not formally disciplined and that the claims about his resignation following a warning letter were fabricated.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Bores' assertions, the controversy surrounding his comments and subsequent resignation has drawn scrutiny, particularly as he seeks a higher political office. Critics may question the appropriateness of his past behavior in light of his current campaign, especially given his focus on ethics and accountability in government.
What's Next
As Bores continues his campaign for Congress, the implications of his past at Palantir and the surrounding controversy may play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions. His stance against ICE and emphasis on artificial intelligence regulation will likely remain central themes as he competes for the Democratic nomination in a district known for its strong party affiliation.
