Editorial illustration for AI Super PAC's USD 100M Attack Backfires for Bores in Tech Regulation Debate
Alex Bores says USD 100 Million AI Super PAC targeting him backfired
A high-stakes political drama is unfolding in the tech regulation arena, where an AI-focused Super PAC's aggressive campaign against New York Assembly member Alex Bores appears to have spectacularly backfired. The group's reported $100 million spending spree, intended to undermine Bores, seems to have instead amplified his message about responsible artificial intelligence oversight.
Political watchers are taking notice of how Bores has transformed what was likely meant to be a damaging attack into a strategic communication opportunity. By reframing the massive spending against him as a platform for discussing critical technology policy, he's turning the PAC's own resources into a megaphone for his regulatory perspective.
The incident highlights the complex, often unpredictable dynamics of technology policy debates and political messaging in the AI era. What the Super PAC likely saw as a straightforward campaign strategy has instead become a nuanced discussion about the future of technological governance.
"I want to thank [the PAC] for their partnership in raising up the issue of how we regulate an incredibly powerful technology so that the future is one that benefits all of us," says Alex Bores, a New York Assembly member and Democratic congressional candidate, in an interview with WIRED. "I couldn't imagine a better partner this week." Earlier this year, Bores and New York state senator Andrew Gounardes coauthored the RAISE Act, a bill that would empower New York's attorney general to bring civil penalties of up to $30 million against AI developers like OpenAI and Google if they fail to publish safety reports around their technology.
The AI Super PAC's attempt to undermine Alex Bores appears to have spectacularly backfired. By targeting the New York Assembly member, the PAC inadvertently amplified his message about technology regulation, giving Bores a national platform to discuss the RAISE Act.
Bores skillfully transformed what was meant to be a political attack into a strategic communication opportunity. His response - thanking the PAC for "partnership" - suggests a savvy media approach that turns potential negative press into positive momentum for tech policy discussions.
The incident highlights the complex dynamics of AI and political discourse. Bores seems to be positioning himself as a thoughtful voice on technological governance, using the PAC's USD 100 million campaign as an unexpected megaphone for his regulatory proposals.
What remains unclear is the PAC's specific motivations and the long-term impact on Bores' congressional campaign. Still, his current framing suggests he's emerged from this confrontation looking more principled than his opponents.
The episode underscores how modern political battles around emerging technologies can quickly shift, with unexpected players and surprising outcomes.
Further Reading
- New York governor Kathy Hochul signs RAISE Act to regulate AI safety - TechCrunch
- States Plan to Continue Regulating AI, Despite Trump's Order - Governing
- AI 2025 → 2026 Live Show | Part 2 - The Cognitive Revolution - Cognitive Revolution
Related Reading
Common Questions Answered
How did the AI Super PAC's $100 million campaign against Alex Bores actually impact his political messaging?
The Super PAC's aggressive campaign unexpectedly amplified Bores' message about responsible AI regulation instead of undermining him. Bores strategically reframed the attack as a partnership, turning the negative campaign into a national platform to discuss technology oversight.
What is the RAISE Act that Alex Bores co-authored with New York state senator Andrew Gounardes?
The RAISE Act is a legislative proposal designed to empower New York's attorney general to take legal action related to AI technology regulation. The bill represents a proactive approach to addressing potential risks and governance challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
How did Alex Bores respond to the AI Super PAC's attack campaign?
Bores skillfully transformed the attack into a strategic communication opportunity, publicly thanking the PAC for their 'partnership' in raising awareness about AI regulation. His response effectively turned a potential negative campaign into a platform to discuss responsible technology oversight.