AI companies are spending millions to thwart this former tech exec’s Congressional bid

Loading the player… If you’ve seen the recent ads attacking New York assembly member Alex Bores, you’ll know he used to work for Palantir, the AI company that’s powering the controversial raids and high-volume deportation efforts from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The ads even accuse Bores of having made hundreds of thousands of dollars building the tech for ICE and “powering their deportations.” But that’s not quite the whole story. “I quit Palantir specifically over its work with ICE in 2019,” Bores told TechCrunch on last week’s episode of Equity . Now he’s running for New York’s 12th congressional district, with Big Tech billionaires funding outside groups targeting his campaign. The ads are funded by a super PAC called Leading the Future, which, ironically, has the backing of Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, as well as OpenAI President Greg Brockman, VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, AI search startup Perplexity, and other Silicon Valley heavy-hitters. The PAC has raised $125 million to go after candidates in state elections that are introducing AI legislation and to support candidates with a light-to-no-touch approach to regulating AI. “They have committed to spending at least $10 million against me…because they know I am their biggest threat in their quest for unbridled control over the American worker, over our kids’ minds, climate and our utility bills,” Bores said. “They’re targeting me to make an example of me.” He said his background working in tech, including at Palantir and several startups, is exactly why Leading the Future made him its first target. Techcrunch event Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400. Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Found...