These Are the Candidates Attracting the Most AI Money in the Midterms
AI is making a last-ditch effort to shape the 2026 Midterms. Newsweek analyzed the top candidates they're backing and opposing.
The AI industry is experiencing a boom, with data centers becoming a promising economic development. In the 2026 midterm cycle, one candidate stands out for attracting significant AI money: Darline Graham, who received $4.5 million from AI booster groups. This amount is over three times more than any other candidate in the country.
The reason for Graham's large sum isn't because she advocates for AI, but rather, it reflects the desperate attempt by the AI industry to maintain allies in an increasingly hostile climate. According to Newsweek's analysis of AI records for every member of Congress, Republicans have a 3.64 Lean Booster score on Data Centers, while Democrats score 1.97 as Lean Skeptics.
Pro-AI independent expenditure spending this cycle totals over $29 million, with AI booster groups spending $18.5 million on Republicans and $11 million on Democrats. The only Democrat receiving more than $1 million from pro-AI groups is Congressman Ritchie Torres of New York, who has an AI Policy Score of 3.4, leaning towards AI boosterism.
AI-skeptic groups have spent $9 million attacking Republicans and under $1 million attacking Democrats. While the total opposition spending by AI skeptic groups is $21 million, it's split between supporting favored candidates and opposing opposed candidates. The Trump Administration has poured billions into the AI sector, linking Congressional Republicans to the issue.
A September CNN poll found over 75% of Americans hold concerns over the growth of AI, pushing the industry into a late sprint to save its allies in Congress.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
