The companies behind ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Facebook’s AI have committed more than $275 million to influence the 2026 elections. Most of that money flows through dark money nonprofits that are not required to disclose their donors. The ads they fund never mention artificial intelligence.
One in four registered federal lobbyists now works for the AI industry. That number has grown 170 percent in three years. The companies are backing candidates in both parties, in races from North Carolina to Texas to New York to Illinois, spending on issues voters care about — immigration, cost of living, crime — while the actual policy goal stays off camera.
Each company wants a different version of AI regulation. Each is using PACs, lobbying operations, and former government officials to get it. The smallest operation spent $13 million. The largest committed $130 million. The structures range from disclosed super PACs to dark money nonprofits to direct Pentagon contracts.
This week, HCA examines each company individually across five articles. What it spent. Where the money went. Which candidates it supported. What voters cannot see. And what it got in return.
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