How A.I. Money Is Flooding Into the Midterm Elections

NYT Homepage

by Theodore Schleifer and Matt Zdun

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The AI industry has become a significant player in U.S. politics, with companies, executives, and affiliated groups spending at least $83 million on federal elections last year alone. This figure is expected to rise even further this election cycle, as tech giants like Meta also contribute substantial amounts at the state level. The article highlights how AI-focused political spending has already reached around $150 million, with much of it flowing into midterm elections. The majority of these donations are directed toward Republican candidates, reflecting a broader industry strategy to support policies favorable to AI companies. Republicans are generally perceived as more aligned with AI-friendly regulations and less likely to impose stringent restrictions on the technology. However, some Democratic politicians, particularly those representing tech hubs like Silicon Valley, have also received significant contributions. Among the biggest donors are Greg Brockman, co-founder of OpenAI, and his wife Anna, who collectively donated $25 million in September 2025 to super PACs backing AI interests and President Trump. Despite OpenAI's assertion that these donations were made personally by the Brockmans, critics argue that such contributions align with the company's political goals. The article underscores why this matters: AI companies are leveraging their financial power to shape the regulatory landscape. By primarily supporting Republicans, they aim to influence policies that benefit the industry, potentially leading to a more permissive environment for AI development and deployment. This spending also reflects the growing role of technology in U.S. politics, where tech firms increasingly use their resources to sway political outcomes. Ultimately

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/21/2026