Opinion | New York Democrats Have a Chance to Vote Against the A.I. Oligarchs

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by Michelle Goldberg

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

New York City Democrats are facing a pivotal moment as they prepare to vote in the Democratic primary for New York’s 12th Congressional District. A key issue in the race is artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, with candidate Alex Bores emerging as a central figure due to his progressive stance on curbing tech oligarch influence. Bores, a former data scientist at Palantir Technologies, has been targeted by a political action committee (PAC) called Think Big, which is funded by major tech figures like Joe Lonsdale and Marc Andreessen. The PAC is spending millions to undermine Bores, framing him as a threat to unfettered AI development while leveraging public distrust of ICE’s ties to Palantir. Bores has positioned himself as a leader in AI regulation, sponsoring the RAISE Act—a stringent law requiring large AI developers to prevent critical harm, report safety incidents, and disclose protocols. While some provisions were diluted during negotiations with Governor Kathy Hochul, the act remains a significant step toward accountability in the AI industry. His campaign highlights the broader struggle between tech oligarchs seeking unchecked growth and advocates for human-centered policies. The race also features other notable candidates, including Assemblyman Micah Lasher and Jack Schlossberg, but Bores stands out as the only candidate directly challenging the tech industry’s influence. This election could set a precedent for how Congress addresses AI regulation, with Bores arguing that current oversight is insufficient to protect citizens from misuse of powerful technologies. Readers interested in politics and technology should pay attention, as the outcome may shape future policies on AI development and its societal impact. The battle between Bores and tech-aligned PACs underscores the growing tension between corporate power and public interest, making this race a critical test for progressive values.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026