Big Tech

The race to dominate AI is no longer being fought only in laboratories; It is now being fought at the ballot box. As the US struggles to establish comprehensive rules for one of the world's fastest-moving technologies, the companies developing it have begun competing over something even more valuable than market share, namely political influence. During the 2026 midterm election cycle, AI companies and their affiliated political action committees have poured tens of millions of dollars into congressional races, backed rival candidates, and expanded their lobbying operations across Washington. For the first time, elections themselves are becoming part of the battle over who will shape the future of AI governance.   This marks a significant shift in the relationship between technology and politics. Rather than waiting for governments to determine how AI should be regulated, leading firms are increasingly attempting to shape the political environment before those decisions are made. As Congress remains divided over comprehensive AI legislation, electoral politics has become another arena in the competition over AI. Consequently, the 2026 midterms may offer an early indication of whether democratic institutions can establish the rules governing AI before the industry's growing political influence begins shaping those rules instead.