# Anthropic and OpenAI have funneled $100 million into super PACs for 2024 midterms

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-10-19T12:59:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/anthropic-and-openai-have-funneled-100-million-into-super-pacs-for-202

## Summary

Anthropic and OpenAI have directed $100 million into political action committees since last year, with nearly $60 million already spent on races across the United States. The money is flowing through super PACs that can raise and spend unlimited amounts, allowing the firms to back both Republican and Democratic candidates.

OpenAI‑backed American Mission poured almost $2.3 million into the campaign of South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham, while an Anthropic‑linked PAC spent $1.5 million for Rep. Carlos De La Cruz in Texas. Anthropic‑connected Jobs and Democracy PAC spent over $1.6 million for Dem Rep. Valerie Foushee in North Carolina. The firms have also spent against each other, totaling $27 million in the New York congressional race of Alex Bores. The Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint alleging OpenAI‑backed PACs used shell companies to evade federal reporting requirements.

Sarah Bryner of Public Agenda says the AI companies are “building their slate of allies in Congress” as public opinion remains cautious, with 64 % of Americans believing AI is developing too quickly.

## Key points

- Anthropic and OpenAI have funneled $100 million into super PACs since last year, spending nearly $60 million on races.
- OpenAI‑backed American Mission spent nearly $2.3 million for Sen. Darline Graham; Anthropic‑backed PAC spent $1.5 million for Rep. Carlos De La Cruz.
- The Campaign Legal Center complained the OpenAI‑backed PACs used shell companies to evade federal reporting requirements.

## Why it matters

The spending shows leading AI firms are trying to shape forthcoming AI regulation by building relationships with lawmakers, which could affect future industry rules and public trust.

## Sources

1. [The AI industry’s race for influence includes $100 million in campaign cash](https://csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2026/1020/anthropic-openai-political-spending-midterms) (csmonitor.com, 2026-10-19)

Part of the developing story: [AI Money and Political Power](https://digestai.news/thread/ai-super-pacs-pour-close-to-one-million-dollars-into-mike-roundss-dakota-senate) (5 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Anthropic and OpenAI have funneled $100 million into super PACs for 2024 midterms", 19 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/anthropic-and-openai-have-funneled-100-million-into-super-pacs-for-202

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