OpenAI Plans Post-Midterm Political Push to Shape U.S. AI Policy

After Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections, OpenAI plans to launch an intensive policy advocacy and public relations campaign to adapt to Washington’s new political landscape, including recasting data centers as “AI compute campuses.” According to Sina Finance, Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane said the company has been preparing policy proposals since August, including new ideas and reworked proposals, and expects its efforts to continue as the new Congress takes office. The proposals include mandatory safety measures for the most capable AI systems, which OpenAI describes as “speed limits,” and stronger efforts to advance related legislation in Congress. The company also plans community agreements for data center projects and state-level legislative proposals aimed at setting industry standards and giving residents a role in project decisions and benefits. OpenAI cited a large data center project it is helping develop in Pike County, Ohio, which it expects to create thousands of local jobs. OpenAI is also developing proposals to help workers manage AI-related job disruption, expand access to education and vocational training, and lower barriers to starting and growing businesses. Lehane said the company wants people to retain control over AI and have greater say in how the technology affects their lives and communities. OpenAI is seeking to advance a human-centered “third way” between AI “doomers” and accelerationists. The company’s outreach also looks toward the 2028 U.S. presidential election. Lehane said AI would be a central issue in that election, and potential candidates are expected to begin outlining their platforms from Wednesday. The post-election policy effort will begin during the congressional lame-duck session, which starts November 9 and runs until new members of Congress are sworn in on January 3. Meta is also strengthening its ties with Democrats, as other technology companies prepare for a possible Democratic victory in the House.