Mark Zuckerberg's Meta makes the biggest election investment to promote politicians who are friendly to …
Times of India
by TOI TECH DESKFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is set to make its largest-ever election-related investment, allocating $65 million to support state-level political candidates who align with the AI industry. This effort is led by Mark Zuckerberg and involves four super PACs targeting Texas and Illinois, where Meta has significant interests in AI development and data centers. The spending reflects Meta's growing focus on influencing state-level policies to shape the regulatory environment for AI.
Meta's strategy includes two new political groups: "Forge the Future Project," supporting Republican candidates in Texas, and "Making Our Tomorrow," backing Democrats in Illinois. These initiatives aim to elevate politicians who champion tech innovation and oppose regulations that could hinder AI growth. In Texas, where Meta operates three AI data centers, the focus is on promoting Republican leaders committed to maintaining U.S. tech leadership. Meanwhile, in Illinois, where Meta secured a nuclear plant deal for its operations, the emphasis is on supporting Democrats who advocate for policies beneficial to the tech industry.
This move by Meta underscores a broader trend among tech companies increasingly engaging in state-level politics due to the relatively lower costs of influencing legislative races compared to federal elections. The company's decision to invest heavily in AI-friendly candidates highlights concerns about fragmented state laws potentially stifling AI development. According to Brian Rice, Meta's public policy VP, the company is acting preemptively to address inconsistent regulations that could threaten innovation and investments in AI.
For readers interested in global tech trends and political influence, this marks a significant shift in how major corporations are leveraging their resources to shape regulatory landscapes. Meta's strategy not only reflects its strategic priorities but also signals a broader industry trend of direct political engagement to safeguard technological progress. As AI continues to evolve, the role of corporate lobbying in shaping its future will likely intensify, with implications that extend far beyond state borders.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026