A new super PAC, funded by AI startup Anthropic, has begun a $300,000 advertising blitz in New Jersey, urging voters to demand stricter regulation of artificial intelligence. The campaign targets Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, co-chair of the House AI commission, framing the issue as a choice between protecting families and prioritizing tech company profits.
The Core Message: AI Risks and Voter Action
The ads leverage striking imagery—AI-generated portraits alongside alarming headlines—to highlight the potential for AI-driven fraud and manipulation. The message is simple: voters must push their representatives to oppose legislation that would prevent states from enacting their own AI safeguards. This approach underscores a growing tension between federal and state-level regulatory efforts.
Anthropic’s Unusual Stance: Regulation as a Competitive Advantage
What sets this campaign apart is the backing of Anthropic, a major AI developer advocating for robust regulation. Unlike OpenAI and other industry giants pushing for lighter oversight, Anthropic appears to view stricter rules as a strategic advantage, potentially solidifying its position in the market. The company has already invested $20 million into Public First Action, the super PAC driving the campaign.
The Broader Political Landscape: AI as a Midterm Battleground
This ad blitz is just one front in a larger political war over AI regulation. States are moving ahead with their own laws while Washington debates federal standards. The election will decide how fast AI regulation moves forward.
The conflict reflects a deeper debate about innovation, security, and economic competitiveness. Some argue that aggressive regulation will stifle American AI companies, while others insist it is necessary to protect consumers from fraud, disinformation, and other harms.
The rise of AI is forcing lawmakers to grapple with unprecedented risks and opportunities. The upcoming elections will be a key moment in determining how this technology is governed.
