AI Goes to Bat for Valerie Foushee

RealClearPolitics

by David Dayen, American Prospect

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A super PAC backed by Anthropic, the company behind the AI model Claude, is pouring nearly $1 million into efforts to re-elect North Carolina Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. This significant investment highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence in politics, as Anthropic aims to support a key figure on a critical congressional committee overseeing AI-related policies. Foushee’s role on the House Select Committee for Artificial Intelligence makes her a pivotal player in shaping the future of technology regulation and innovation. The decision by Anthropic to fund Foushee’s re-election campaign underscores the tech industry’s increasing involvement in politics, particularly as AI becomes a hotter topic in legislative circles. The company’s support reflects its interest in maintaining a favorable regulatory environment for AI advancements, which could have far-reaching implications for industries across the board. This move also signals a shift in political spending, where technology firms are leveraging their resources to influence policies that directly impact their products and services. While Foushee has faced criticism from some quarters for her stance on certain issues, Anthropic’s backing is seen as an effort to align with a candidate who shares their vision for AI development. The PAC’s expenditure highlights the competitive nature of North Carolina’s 13th District race, where Foushee faces challenges from both Republican and Democratic candidates. This level of funding is unusual in local races, underscoring the high stakes surrounding AI policy and its potential to shape the future of technology. For readers interested in politics and technology, this development offers a glimpse into how AI is becoming a central issue in elections. The involvement of major tech companies like Anthropic suggests that voters may see more AI-related discussions in future campaigns, as both candidates and their backers seek to influence policy outcomes. This intersection of politics and technology is likely to grow increasingly important, with implications for innovation, regulation, and the role of AI in society. In a broader context, this funding reflects the growing recognition of AI’s potential to transform industries and policies. As Anthropic continues to develop its AI models, including Claude, it appears poised to play a significant role in shaping the political landscape. The outcome of Foushee’s re-election could set precedents for how Congress addresses AI-related challenges and opportunities, making this

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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/26/2026