Public First Action

Public First Action is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization focused on public policy related to artificial intelligence.[1][2][3] Public First Action is a bipartisan group that advocates for AI transparency, safeguards, and export controls on advanced AI chips.[4]

History

Public First Action was formed in 2025 by former Congressmen Brad Carson, a Democrat, and Chris Stewart, a Republican, to advocate for federal, state, and local regulations related to AI.[5][6] The group's formation followed the founding of a super PAC network, Leading the Future, which advocates for deregulation of the AI industry and faster development of the new technology.[7][8] Public First Action supports measures that would increase transparency at frontier AI companies and impose export controls on advanced AI chips, in addition to opposing the preemption of state-level AI laws.[9]

In February 2026, Public First Action received $20 million from the AI company Anthropic.[10] That same month, the group announced plans to support 30 to 50 Democrats and Republicans in state and federal races, with Public First Action and aligned super PACs launching advertisements in Nebraska, Tennessee, and other states.[11] In one ad, Public First Action touted Senator Marsha Blackburn for her work on child online safety.[12]

As of 2026, the group plans to raise between $50 and $75 million for public oversight of AI and related reforms.[13]

Organization

Leadership and funding

Public First Action is led by Carson and Stewart.[14][15] The group has raised nearly $50 million in funding with a goal of raising $75 million during the 2026 midterms.[16][17] Anthropic has contributed $20 million to the group.[18]

Structure

Public First Action is aligned with three political action committees: Jobs and Democracy, which supports Democratic candidates; Defending Our Values, which supports Republican candidates; and Public First, which supports both Republicans and Democrats.[19]

References

  1. ^ Gold, Ashley (2026-02-27). "The AI influence network's power players". Axios. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  2. ^ Birnbaum, Emily (February 12, 2026). "Anthropic Pledges $20 Million to Candidates Who Favor AI Safety". Bloomberg.
  3. ^ Bellan, Rebecca (2026-03-03). "AI companies are spending millions to thwart this former tech exec's congressional bid". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  4. ^ Curi, Maria (2026-02-12). "Anthropic pours $20 million into AI policy fight". Axios. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  5. ^ Kang, Cecilia (2026-02-23). "Backed by Anthropic, a Super PAC Group Begins an Ad Blitz in Support of A.I. Regulation". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  6. ^ "The Silicon Valley billionaires spending big to write America's AI rules". Financial Times. February 26, 2026.
  7. ^ "Super PAC aims to drown out AI critics in midterms, with $100M and counting". The Washington Post. 2025-08-26. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  8. ^ Schwartz, Amrith Ramkumar and Brian (2025-08-25). "Exclusive | Silicon Valley Launches Pro-AI PACs to Defend Industry in Midterm Elections". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  9. ^ Curi, Maria (2026-02-12). "Anthropic pours $20 million into AI policy fight". Axios. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  10. ^ Rozen, Courtney (February 12, 2026). "Anthropic to donate $20 million to US political group backing AI regulation". Reuters.
  11. ^ Wilkins, Emily (2026-02-12). "Anthropic gives $20 million to group pushing for AI regulations ahead of 2026 elections". CNBC. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  12. ^ Shapero, Julia (2026-02-12). "Anthropic gives $20M to group backing AI safeguards". The Hill. Archived from the original on 2026-02-13. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  13. ^ Bellan, Rebecca (2026-02-20). "Anthropic-funded group backs candidate attacked by rival AI super PAC". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  14. ^ "Seeking effective AI guardrails: Former Rep. Brad Carson on the launch of AI safety super PAC". CNBC. 2025-12-02. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  15. ^ Shapero, Julia (2026-02-12). "Anthropic gives $20M to group backing AI safeguards". The Hill. Archived from the original on 2026-02-13. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  16. ^ Kang, Cecilia (2026-02-23). "Backed by Anthropic, a Super PAC Group Begins an Ad Blitz in Support of A.I. Regulation". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  17. ^ Wilkins, Emily (2026-02-12). "Anthropic gives $20 million to group pushing for AI regulations ahead of 2026 elections". CNBC. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  18. ^ "Anthropic to donate $20m to US political group backing AI regulation". The Guardian. 2026-02-12. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  19. ^ Gold, Ashley (2026-02-27). "The AI influence network's power players". Axios. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
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