AI Industry Spends $300M on 2026 Midterms as FTC Probes OpenAI and Anthropic

The AI industry has poured over $300 million into 2026 congressional races through three major super PACs. The FTC opened a formal inquiry into OpenAI and Anthropic on October 1 over their safety claims. The networks have backed candidates in 22 states where AI regulation will be decided.

• Three AI PACs outspent Club for Growth's $69M record from 2022
• Leading the Future, backed by Brockman and a16z, raised over $125M
• Anthropic-seeded Public First Action amassed roughly $75M
• FTC opened its inquiry into OpenAI and Anthropic on October 1