The group, Leading the Future (LTF), pledged to back candidates who support innovation while pushing back against legislation that could slow deployment.
According to its mission statement, LTF intends to craft a bipartisan agenda that keeps the US at the center of AI development. The organization plans to build political networks across federal and state levels, ensuring technology-friendly candidates gain traction in future elections.
Collin McCune, head of government affairs at a16z, described the initiative as a milestone in the firm’s long-term strategy to support pro-technology lawmakers. He warned that failing to establish a favorable policy could cost the US its leadership role in the emerging industry.
“AI isn’t hype or science fiction, it’s already here. This technology can drive the next wave of American growth, create new jobs, and unlock productivity across every sector of the American economy. But make no mistake: this is also a race with China. If we don’t have the right policies, we risk ceding the future of AI, and with it, America’s economic strength and national security.”
The PAC will be directed by political consultants Zak Moffatt and Josh Vlasto. Initial operations will begin in New York, California, Illinois, and Ohio before expanding nationally in 2026. LTF will become active in the 2026 election cycle, financing campaigns aligned with its pro-innovation policy platform.
The AI industry’s political push closely mirrors tactics used by the crypto sector during the last elections.