A New York House primary has become an AI industry family feud with millions in corporate spending

New York Assemblyman Alex Bores is embroiled in a fiercely contested Democratic primary for a Manhattan U.S. House seat, where the AI industry has poured millions into opposing and supporting his candidacy. Leading the Future, a political group backed by OpenAI investors like Greg Brockman and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, has spent $7.6 million attacking Bores, accusing him of being overly influenced by tech money despite his record on AI regulation. The group argues Congress—not states—should lead AI policy, aligning with Trump’s proposed national framework that would override state laws like Bores’ RAISE Act. Bores’ legislation, signed into New York law, requires major AI firms to report safeguards against catastrophic risks, such as AI failures causing mass harm. Leading the Future initially opposed the bill but later accepted a modified version, yet still labels Bores’ views as extreme. The group claims Bores is a pawn of dark-money interests, including Anthropic, which has spent over $10 million backing his campaign, along with a $3.5 million pledge from crypto billionaire Chris Larsen. The race reflects a broader AI industry split: one faction, including Trump-aligned figures, favors minimal regulation, while another—backed by firms like Anthropic—supports cautious oversight. Bores, a former Palantir employee who left over immigration enforcement concerns, frames the primary as a test of whether politicians can resist corporate influence. His campaign highlights the RAISE Act as proof of his commitment to AI safety, contrasting with opponents who argue state-level rules fragment national policy. Analysts describe the primary as a microcosm of Silicon Valley’s ideological divide, with tech money flooding both sides. The $17.6 million spent so far underscores the stakes, as the outcome could shape federal AI regulation and set precedents for corporate lobbying in tech policy. Bores’ June 23 primary victory or defeat will signal whether AI-backed interests can dictate legislative outcomes in Washington.