US Democrats Wary of AI Industry's 'Money Bomb,' Urge Candidates to Watch Their Words

Politico reported on the 17th (local time) that the U.S. Democratic Party, ahead of the November midterm elections, is treading carefully to avoid antagonizing the deep-pocketed artificial intelligence (AI) industry.

Although public concerns over the dangers of AI are growing, Democrats are reportedly taking a cautious approach to highlighting AI regulation as an election issue.

This is due to concerns that the AI industry could pour massive campaign funds through Super PACs (Special Political Action Committees) targeting candidates who advocate for AI regulation in the midterms.

In fact, Democratic campaign strategists have reportedly advised candidates in three House districts considered top battlegrounds to avoid mentioning AI regulation as much as possible.

A senior Democratic campaign strategist said, "We need to be able to respond to concerns about AI at the party level," but added, "However, we do not want AI industry money flowing into the election."

In particular, Democrats are reportedly wary of "Leading the Future," a Super PAC closely aligned with the AI industry.

Backed by investors and executives from OpenAI, the group spent more than $25 million (approx. 35 billion KRW) in party primaries ahead of this year's midterm elections.

It also launched a $2 million (approx. 2.78 billion KRW) ad campaign starting the previous day to support four Republican Senate candidates.

However, Leading the Future countered that other groups are the ones pressuring Democratic lawmakers, and that it supports federal-level AI rescue (regulation).

Meanwhile, Politico reported that despite the possibility of a defeat campaign by the AI industry, some Democratic candidates are strongly advocating for AI regulation.

Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan, recently argued that cutting-edge AI research should be completely halted.

El-Sayed said, "Rather than being afraid of the AI industry's financial power, I will stand on the side of truth."
(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.