Pro-AI Super PAC Funds Ads to Promote Data Centers in Key Midterm States

New Group to Advocate for Data Centers

Build American AI, a newly formed group, announced plans to launch an advertising campaign in key battleground states. The campaign aims to persuade voters about the benefits of hosting data centers in their communities. The group stated its ad budget is in the millions of dollars and will focus on Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin, where data center concerns have become prominent in statewide elections.

Affiliation with Pro-AI Super PAC

Build American AI is affiliated with Leading the Future (LTF), a super PAC known for its advocacy in AI-related election politics. LTF has received substantial funding from venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, as well as OpenAI President Greg Brockman. LTF reportedly launched with over $50 million in funding, primarily used to support pro-AI political candidates and oppose those who lobby against the technology.

OpenAI Distances Itself from LTF

OpenAI publicly disavowed any direct involvement with LTF's activities in a June blog post, despite its co-founder Greg Brockman's financial support. OpenAI stated it does not direct LTF's operations or have visibility into them. The company also criticized certain tactics, such as astroturfing, urging groups advocating on AI to be transparent about their policy views and representation.

Increased Tech Industry Political Spending

The initiative by Build American AI and LTF reflects a broader trend of increased political spending by prominent figures in the tech industry. Andreessen Horowitz, the venture firm co-founded by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, has reportedly become the largest donor to the midterm elections, with over $115 million in disclosed federal contributions. This spending extends beyond AI causes to include support for pro-crypto efforts as well.