Public First and Leading the Future, super PACs backed by Anthropic and OpenAI respectively, are spending nearly $24 million on midterm elections. The rivalry has created canceled ads and fearful candidates as the groups represent opposing approaches to AI regulation. This intra-industry conflict reflects a fundamental divide in how the tech sector approaches governance.

The super PACs represent larger competition between Anthropic and OpenAI, which are battling for customers, executives, and IPO prospects. Public First supports stricter regulation while Leading the Future pushes industry-friendly policies. This ideological clash has created an unprecedented political battle with real consequences for election outcomes.

The rivalry has forced Democratic candidates to navigate carefully, with some avoiding AI discussions altogether. In one notable incident, Public First successfully pressured Leading the Future to abandon support for Representative Valerie Foushee, spending $1.6 million to secure her narrow primary victory. Candidates now face difficult choices when caught between these powerful AI interests.