a16z-backed super pac is targeting alex bores, sponsor of new york’s ai safety bill — he says bring it on

A Super PAC Targets a New York Assembly Member

A pro-AI super PAC, financially supported by Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, has designated New York Assembly member Alex Bores – and his campaign for Congress – as its initial focus.

Formed in August, the PAC, known as Leading the Future, secured a commitment exceeding $100 million. Its mission is to champion policymakers who favor minimal intervention in AI regulation. This translates to actively opposing those advocating for AI oversight.

Tech Industry Backing

Leading the Future benefits from contributions from other prominent figures in the technology sector. These include Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir and managing partner at 8VC, and the AI-powered search engine, Perplexity.

Bores expressed his observation of their direct approach. He stated that when the PAC declares its intention to spend significantly against him due to his potential regulation of Big Tech and implementation of AI safeguards, he simply shares this information with his constituents.

Constituent Concerns and the RAISE Act

Bores, vying for representation in the state’s 12th Congressional District, reports a growing level of anxiety among his constituents regarding AI. Concerns range from increased utility costs due to data centers and the exacerbation of climate change to the impact of chatbots on children’s mental well-being and the potential for job displacement through automation.

He is the primary sponsor of New York’s bipartisan RAISE Act. This legislation mandates that large AI labs establish and adhere to safety protocols. It also requires disclosure of critical safety incidents, such as unauthorized access to AI models.

Key Provisions of the RAISE Act

• Requires a safety plan to prevent critical harms.
• Mandates adherence to established safety protocols.
• Demands disclosure of critical safety incidents.
• Prohibits the release of models posing unreasonable risks.
• Imposes civil penalties of up to $30 million for non-compliance.

The bill is currently awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature.

During the bill’s development, Bores engaged in consultations with major AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. These discussions resulted in the removal of provisions, such as third-party safety audits, which the industry reportedly opposed. Despite these concessions, the RAISE Act and Bores himself have seemingly drawn the disapproval of Silicon Valley.

Leading the Future's Opposition

Zac Moffatt and Josh Vlasto, leaders of Leading the Future, informed Politico of their intent to launch a substantial campaign to defeat Bores’ candidacy.

In a statement to TechCrunch, they criticized Bores for promoting “ideological and politically motivated legislation” that they believe would hinder both New York’s and the nation’s ability to excel in AI jobs and innovation. They argue that legislation like the RAISE Act jeopardizes American competitiveness, restricts economic growth, and compromises national security.

Concerns About Competitiveness

Moffatt and Vlasto contend that the RAISE Act represents a “patchwork” of ill-informed state laws. They believe this would impede American progress and potentially allow China to gain an advantage in the global AI race. They advocate for a unified national regulatory framework for AI.

Silicon Valley has previously attempted to prevent states from enacting AI-related legislation. A provision blocking such laws was briefly included in the federal budget bill earlier this year but was subsequently removed. Lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, are now exploring alternative legislative routes to reinstate it.

State vs. Federal Regulation

Bores expressed concern that efforts to restrict state-level AI regulation could gain momentum, particularly given the lack of significant federal action. He argues that states can serve as “policy laboratories,” rapidly testing and implementing solutions while the federal government deliberates.

“If Congress solves the problem, then it can tell the states to get out of the way,” Bores stated. “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.”

Standardization and EU Alignment

Bores has been collaborating with policymakers in other states to explore the standardization of AI legislation. He also emphasizes the importance of ensuring compatibility with the EU AI Act.

He underscored that AI regulation is not intended to stifle innovation. He has actively rejected proposals that he believed could have unintended negative consequences for the industry.

“Having basic rules of the road…is actually a very pro-innovation stance if done well,” Bores concluded. “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.”