Full Breakdown
AI-Backed Super PACs Mobilize for 2026 Midterms
7/27/2026, 11:53:48 AM
Core Event: Formation of Public First Action
Former Republican congressman Chris Stewart of Utah and former Democratic congressman Brad Carson of Oklahoma have created Public First, a political network aimed at supporting candidates who favor AI regulation. The effort operates under the umbrella organization Public First Action, which oversees three super PACs: the bipartisan Public First, the Democratic-leaning Jobs and Democracy PAC, and the Republican-leaning Defending Our Values PAC. The umbrella group is not required to disclose its donors.
Funding Landscape
- By June, Public First Action reported $80 million raised.
- Anthropic contributed $40 million in total, including an initial $20 million donation in February and a later $20 million top-up.
- Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei gave $1 million personally; Anthropic staff added $2.1 million.
- Alignment Science lead Jan Leike donated $100,000 plus an additional $400,000.
- Spending to date exceeds $25 million across the three PACs:
- Jobs and Democracy PAC – just under $20 million, with more than $15 million spent boosting candidate Bores in a primary and $1.6 million for Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC).
- Defending Our Values PAC – about $5 million, including $1.4 million for Republican Carlos De La Cruz (TX) and roughly $1 million for Rep. Celeste Maloy (UT).
Official Statements & Responses
Both statements underscore the donors’ view that AI-related regulation is a decisive electoral issue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our donation to Public First Action is one way in which we're trying to raise the salience of this urgent policy debate,” — Other Anthropic — Anthropic
- “I will take our side of that bet any day.” — Other Anthropic — Anthropic
Electoral Impact
The super PACs have already directed sizable ad buys toward a handful of high-profile races, targeting both incumbents and challengers in redrawn districts. By channeling AI-focused funding into competitive contests, Public First Action seeks to shape the midterm landscape in favor of candidates supportive of stricter AI oversight.
