AI Concerns Could Give Democrats an Edge, but Lawmakers Still Think Cracking Down Is Unsettled

Voters are raising AI concerns

AI has become a prominent topic in campaign advertising, while data center construction has drawn residents to crowded local meetings. President Donald Trump has generally opposed regulating the technology, favoring faster development instead.

Polling shows Americans are broadly concerned about AI’s effects on jobs, education and other parts of life. Still, lawmakers in both parties are working out their positions, and early congressional proposals have not attracted broad agreement. Democratic strategist Jesse Lehrich called the issue “a hundred percent ready for the taking.” He said it remains uncertain whether Democrats will be able to seize the opportunity.

Democrats test campaign messages

Rob Flaherty, a former deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, said Democrats had been reluctant to discuss AI, partly because they did not understand it or feared industry spending. He argued that candidates who can speak clearly about the changes ahead could connect with voters.

Flaherty and Karthik Ganapathy, a former state communications director for Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, launched the super PAC Tomorrow Together. It began a $4 million advertising effort last week in battleground House races, criticizing Republican candidates on AI and citing children’s online safety and data centers.

The group is also looking toward the 2028 presidential election, seeking to refine Democratic messaging around what resonates with voters. Flaherty said its polling found that broad state-level bans on AI regulation are even less popular than data centers are prominent.

Political spending remains in play

Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have repeatedly backed sweeping bans on state AI regulation. Democratic donor and venture capitalist Ron Conway has since regretted funding Leading the Future, an AI-focused super PAC backed by Marc Andreessen, according to Conway’s communications chief Jay Carney, as reported by Politico. As of June, Leading the Future had spent nearly $45 million over almost a year, with $31 million left in the po