AI Super PAC Targets NY Lawmaker Alex Bores Over Safety Bill

A powerful pro-AI super PAC, backed by prominent tech investors like Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, has launched its first major campaign against a lawmaker advocating for artificial intelligence regulation. New York Assembly member Alex Bores, who is sponsoring a significant AI safety bill, is the target of this multi-million dollar effort, which aims to influence his congressional bid.

Super PAC "Leading the Future" Takes Aim at AI Regulation

The super PAC, named Leading the Future, was established in August with a commitment of over $100 million. Its stated mission is to support policymakers who favor a "light-touch" or "no-touch" approach to AI regulation, directly opposing those who seek to implement stricter controls. The PAC also boasts backing from other influential tech leaders, including Palantir co-founder and 8VC managing partner Joe Lonsdale, as well as AI search engine Perplexity.

Bores Embraces the Challenge

Assemblyman Bores, who is campaigning to represent New York's 12th Congressional District, openly acknowledged the PAC's strategy.

“I appreciate how straightforward they’re being about it,” Bores told journalists at a Washington, D.C. workshop on AGI impacts and governance. “When they say, ‘Hey, we’re going to spend millions against Alex because he might regulate Big Tech and put basic guardrails on AI,’ I just basically forward that to my constituents.”

Bores noted a growing concern among his constituents regarding AI's potential impacts, ranging from data centers increasing utility bills and exacerbating climate change, to chatbots affecting children's mental health and automation transforming the job market.

The RAISE Act: New York's Stance on AI Safety

Bores is the chief sponsor of New York’s bipartisan RAISE Act. This legislation mandates that large AI laboratories develop and adhere to safety plans to prevent critical harms, and disclose significant safety incidents, such as malicious actors compromising an AI model. The bill also prohibits AI firms from releasing models that pose unreasonable risks of critical harm, imposing civil penalties of up to $30 million for non-compliance. The RAISE Act is currently awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature.

During the bill's drafting, Bores consulted with major AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic. These negotiations led to the removal of certain provisions, such as third-party safety audits, which the industry reportedly refused to accept. Despite these concessions, the RAISE Act, and Bores himself, have clearly drawn the ire of Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley's Pushback and National Regulation Debate

Zac Moffatt and Josh Vlasto, who lead Leading the Future, informed Politico that they intend to mount a "multibillion-dollar effort" to undermine Bores’ campaign. In a statement to TechCrunch, they accused Bores of advancing:

“...ideological and politically motivated legislation that would handcuff not only New York’s, but the entire country’s ability to lead on AI jobs and innovation.”

The pair argued that “bills like the RAISE Act threaten American competitiveness, limit economic growth, leave users exposed to foreign influence and manipulation, and undermine our national security.” They further asserted that:

“The RAISE Act is a clear example of the patchwork, uninformed, and bureaucratic state laws that would slow American progress and open the door for China to win the global race for AI leadership. America needs one clear and consistent national regulatory framework for AI that strengthens our economy, creates jobs for American workers, supports vibrant communities, and protects users.”

This sentiment reflects a broader push within Silicon Valley to prevent states from enacting AI-related regulations. Earlier this year, a provision to block state AI laws was briefly included in a federal budget bill before being removed. Lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, are now exploring other legislative avenues to revive such prohibitions.

Bores Advocates for State-Led Innovation in Policy

Bores expressed concern that this movement could gain traction at a time when the federal government has yet to pass any meaningful AI regulation. He likened states to "startups" in their ability to function as policy laboratories and swiftly test new approaches.

“The question should be, has Congress solved the problem?” Bores asked. “If Congress solves the problem, then it can tell the states to get out of the way, but if they’re not going to pass a bill that’s actually addressing any of the problems...and then [saying that states can’t do anything] that just doesn’t make sense to me.”

To address the "patchwork" objection raised by Silicon Valley, Bores revealed he is collaborating with policymakers in other states to standardize legislation. He also emphasized the importance of avoiding redundancies with the EU AI Act.

Bores reiterated that AI regulation is not intended to stifle innovation, noting his rejection of bills he believed would have unintended negative consequences for the industry.

“Having basic rules of the road, literal or metaphorical, is actually a very pro-innovation stance if done well,” Bores stated. “I fundamentally believe that the AI that wins is going to be the AI that is trustworthy. And the pushback from industry to say that government has no role in establishing that trust is one that I think you’re seeing people reject at every level.”