Tech money falls short in New York AI-regulation showdown

Leading the Future, a pro–AI-regulation super PAC, spent more than $8 million to defeat NY Assemblymember Alex Bores, the author of the state’s AI safety law, in the Democratic primary to replace Rep. Nadler. Bores finished a close second to Micah Lasher, who likewise supports stronger AI rules, and Lasher benefited from heavy backing from donors like Michael Bloomberg. The result is seen as a strategic setback for the AI lobby but a morale boost for AI-safety advocates, suggesting more candidates may back guardrails even as OpenAI- and Anthropic-linked groups fund both sides. Leading the Future signaled it’s unlikely to target another competitive race this year, while other campaigns on pro-regulation platforms, such as Manny Rutinel in Colorado, continue.