Tech Billionaires Wage War in New York: The Battle for AI Regulation
New York’s 12th congressional district has become ground zero in a high-stakes battle over the future of artificial intelligence. Assembly Member Alex Bores, a Democrat running for Congress, is facing a relentless barrage of attack ads funded by a super PAC backed by some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names. The core issue? Bores’ push for AI regulation.
From Palantir to Political Target
Bores’ story is complex. He spent nearly five years at Palantir, the controversial data analytics firm known for its work with government agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He quit Palantir in 2019, citing moral objections to the company’s ICE contracts. Now, that past is being weaponized against him.
Ads accuse Bores of profiting from technology used in deportations, a claim he disputes, stating he never worked directly on the ICE contract. However, his former employer, Palantir, is now indirectly funding his opposition through the super PAC, Leading the Future.
The $125 Million Offensive
Leading the Future has raised a staggering $125 million to support candidates who oppose strict AI regulation and to undermine those, like Bores, who advocate for it. The PAC’s backers include Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. They’ve already committed at least $10 million to oppose Bores’ campaign.
“They’re targeting me to make an example of me,” Bores told TechCrunch. He believes his tech background – including his computer science degree and experience at Palantir – makes him a particularly potent threat to their agenda.
The RAISE Act and the Fight for State Control
Bores’ political troubles stem, in part, from sponsoring the RAISE Act in New York. This law requires large AI labs to have publicly available safety plans and report catastrophic safety incidents. Although considered a relatively mild regulation, it sparked outrage among industry leaders who fear a patchwork of state laws could stifle innovation.
The tech industry, backed by former President Trump’s executive order, is pushing for federal-level AI regulation, believing it will preempt stricter state laws. Bores, however, argues that states should retain the right to regulate AI in the absence of a comprehensive federal framework.
A Broader Trend: Big Tech’s Political Spending
The battle over Bores’ campaign is not an isolated incident. Meta has invested $65 million in super PACs to elect state-level candidates friendly to the tech industry. AI companies and executives collectively donated at least $83 million in 2025 to federal campaigns, and committees. This influx of money underscores the growing political influence of the tech sector.
Interestingly, Bores has also received support from a PAC backed by Anthropic, called Public First Action, which is spending $450,000 to counter the attacks. This highlights a division within the AI industry itself, with some companies advocating for greater transparency and oversight.
What Does This Mean for the Future of AI Regulation?
The New York congressional race is a microcosm of a larger struggle: how to balance innovation with responsible AI development. The massive spending by tech companies signals their determination to shape the regulatory landscape in their favor. The outcome of this election, and similar contests across the country, could have profound implications for the future of AI.
FAQ
Q: What is the RAISE Act?
A: It’s a New York law requiring large AI labs to have publicly available safety plans and report safety incidents.
Q: Who is funding the attacks against Alex Bores?
A: A super PAC called Leading the Future, backed by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, and other Silicon Valley investors.
Q: Why is the AI industry so opposed to state-level regulation?
A: They fear a patchwork of state laws will create uncertainty and hinder innovation.
Q: What is Palantir’s role in this conflict?
A: A Palantir co-founder is funding the super PAC attacking Bores, despite Bores having previously worked at and left the company due to concerns about its ICE contracts.
Did you know? The amount of money being spent on this congressional race far exceeds the typical spending for a New York State Assembly race.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about AI regulation efforts in your state and contact your representatives to voice your concerns.
Want to learn more about the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on society? Explore our other articles on technology and politics.
