Meta invests tens of millions in super PAC targeting state AI laws

Meta is launching a national super PAC called the American Technology Excellence Project to combat state-level AI regulation across the United States. The company is investing “tens of millions” of dollars into the effort, which aims to elect pro-AI candidates from both parties who will champion American technology leadership and resist what Meta considers “onerous” AI restrictions.

Why this matters: With over 1,000 state-level AI policy proposals introduced this year, Meta views excessive regulation as a threat to America’s competitive position against China in the global AI race.

How it works: The super PAC will target state elections to support candidates who embrace AI development and defend U.S. tech interests.

• Republican operative Brian Baker is running the PAC with assistance from Democratic consulting firm Hilltop Public Solutions, creating a bipartisan approach.
• The effort focuses on state-level politics because while the federal government has avoided AI regulation, it hasn’t prevented states from enacting their own restrictions.
• Meta has not disclosed which specific state elections will receive funding or how many people the PAC will employ.

The bigger picture: This represents Meta’s expanding political involvement beyond its recent California PAC launch, as states increasingly implement AI protections.

• California has been particularly active, passing laws protecting actors’ digital likenesses and attempting legislation against election misinformation and AI-caused “critical harm.”
• The move comes as the Trump administration takes a mixed approach to AI, embracing the technology while recently signing an executive order banning “woke AI” from federal government use.

What they’re saying: “State lawmakers are uniquely positioned to ensure that America remains a global technology leader,” said Meta VP of public policy Brian Rice. “This is why Meta is launching an effort to support the election of state candidates across the country who embrace AI development, champion the U.S. technology industry and defend American tech leadership at home and abroad.”