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How AIPAC and AI Spent Their Money This Midterm Election
The article examines record campaign spending in the US midterm elections and the influence of special-interest super PACs. It says major donors have largely backed Republicans, while candidates continue to accept support from AIPAC and technology interests despite public scepticism about their influence.
More than $16 billion has been raised, and advertising in House and Senate races has topped $4 billion. Super PAC networks linked to OpenAI and Anthropic spent $50.7 million in primaries, then $8.5 million ahead of the general election; AIPAC and its United Democracy Project also continued spending across many races. The article suggests donors may seek access and allies who can block regulation, even in safe seats.
In short
- US midterm spending has reached record levels.
- AI super PACs spent $50.7 million in primaries.
- AIPAC-backed candidates are still winning many races.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Large campaign spending can help candidates reach voters, explain their policies and compete in expensive races. Donors may support candidates whose views they share or who understand their industries, and political spending is a form of participation in public debate; voters can still judge candidates on their records and decide how much weight to give endorsements and advertising.
The case against
When a small number of wealthy donors and organised interests spend heavily, they can gain greater access and shape which candidates or issues receive attention. Even without an explicit exchange, backing candidates who may block regulation or advance a group’s priorities can raise concerns that policy will answer more to funders than to the wider public, weakening confidence in democratic representation.
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