AI Firms Push for Rules, Drop $20M to Support Like-Minded Politicians

Anthropic has announced a $20 million donation to help elect U. S. candidates who favor new rules for artificial intelligence. The money goes to Public First Action, a group that fights against federal moves to stop states from creating their own AI laws. One of the politicians they back is Republican Marsha Blackburn, who is running for governor in Tennessee and has opposed federal limits on state AI legislation. The company says that those who build AI must act in the public interest, not just for profit. This stance comes as the tech industry prepares to play a big role in this year’s midterm elections, with many states already passing or debating AI regulations. Leaders from different sides are trying to shape the future of the sector.Public First Action was created by two former congress members last year to counter a rival group called Leading the Future. That organization, supported by AI leaders such as OpenAI’s president and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, generally opposes strict oversight. Leading the Future has raised $125 million since its launch. Anthropic’s move shows how business and politics are increasingly intertwined when it comes to technology policy. By funding candidates who want more oversight, the company is hoping to influence how AI will be governed in the United States.