Overview
- Micah Lasher defeated Alex Bores in the Democratic primary for New York’s 12th District, winning roughly 39% to Bores’s 35% and becoming the heavy favorite for the general election.
- Outside groups tied to rival AI factions spent tens of millions on the race, with FEC filings showing about $27.4 million in AI-related spending overall.
- Leading The Future, a pro-industry super PAC linked to Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI figures, spent roughly $8 million opposing Bores while pro-Bores and AI-safety allied PACs spent about $19–20 million supporting him.
- Lasher benefited from establishment backing and large Bloomberg-linked spending that bolstered his local ties and helped offset the national ad buys that focused on AI policy.
- The June 23 primary showed that concentrated outside capital can sway low-turnout contests, and observers say the result will be watched as an early test of whether the industry can deter tougher state or federal AI rules.