a16z and OpenAI co-founders establish $100 million AI industry PAC to promote pro-AI policies

Leading AI companies and tech giants, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, recently announced the launch of a political action committee (PAC) called "Leading the Future." The PAC plans to invest up to $100 million over the next two years to support candidates who promote pro-AI policies at the state and federal levels, fostering a legislative and regulatory environment conducive to technological innovation.

This year, the fund will initially focus on key states with the most active AI research and industrial development, such as California, New York, Illinois, and Ohio, actively engaging in local political agendas through primary and general elections. Its influence is expected to expand to the federal level by the 2026 midterm elections, including support for Senate and House races.

The initiative's core goal is to consolidate the United States' leadership in the global AI race and to proactively address policy proposals that could restrict technological innovation through political engagement.

Organizers emphasize that AI development must be promoted within a policy framework that supports responsible innovation, and that any overly restrictive or lackingly forward-looking legislation could undermine U.S. competitiveness.

"Leading the Future" draws on the successful crypto industry political action committee, Fairshake, and has hired veteran political strategist Josh Vlasto to oversee overall strategic design and execution. The committee will not only provide financial support but also systematically foster the formation of a political coalition supporting the sustainable development of AI through various means, including voter education, policy advocacy, and public opinion mobilization.

This move is also seen as a sign of the tech industry's growing initiative and organization in policymaking, and is expected to have a profound impact on future U.S. tech and industrial policy at multiple levels.