Tech Leaders Invest in Key Races to Champion American Innovation
A new group, Leading the Future, backed by figures in the artificial intelligence (AI) field, is putting money behind candidates who understand the importance of keeping America at the forefront of technological progress.
The group is making a $500,000 investment in Laurie Buckhout, a former Defense Department official running in the Republican primary for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. Buckhout aims to unseat the current Democratic representative, Donald Davis.
Leading the Future has significant financial backing, with over $125 million in commitments and more than $70 million in cash at the start of the year. Supporters include Greg Brockman, President and Co-founder of OpenAI, and Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, a firm that invests heavily in OpenAI.
Group leaders say this is just the start of their involvement in elections. They plan to support candidates at both the state and national level who will promote policies that help America lead in AI.
Zac Moffatt and Joe Vlasto, strategists for Leading the Future, said it’s important to support lawmakers who will create rules that allow AI innovation to flourish here in the U.S., compete with China, and protect children and users.
The group also plans to be active in Illinois, supporting former representatives Jesse Jackson Jr. and Melissa Bean.
Other contributors to Leading the Future include Joe Lonsdale, a successful businessman and investor, and Ron Conway, a well-known venture capitalist. These individuals believe in fostering innovation and ensuring America’s continued success in the tech world.
