AI super PAC announces $5M investment boosting Byron Donalds

A coalition of artificial intelligence companies just put $5 million toward electing Byron Donalds as Governor.

Leading the Future, a super PAC launched by OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, 8VC founder Joe Lonsdale and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, announced it was putting $5 million in support of Donalds and a broader educational effort on the benefits AI will have on Florida’s economic future.

“Byron Donalds understands we’re on the cusp of a magical era of technological advancement that will unleash enormous economic benefits and protect Florida’s future, and that’s why we’re proud to support him for Governor,” said Zac Moffatt, co-strategist for Leading the Future.

“Our engagement in the state will highlight Byron’s vision for a more prosperous Florida and help the public understand how AI will drive economic growth, foster innovation, and improve people’s everyday lives.”

The funding will go toward boosting Donalds and other “pro innovation” candidates running for office in the Primary season. The super PAC intends to deploy the resources through a full spectrum of television, digital and direct mail marketing.

The announcement notably came days after Donalds made supportive comments about the future of AI in an appearance on Dan Bongino’s podcast.

“I really believe we’re on the cusp of something magical happening in the next five to 10 years,” Donalds said.

“I know the concerns about displacement, but with every change in our economy, there are always concerns about displacement. That’s why we are a free market capitalist economy because the creative destruction of the market system actually leads to future job opportunities.”

Leading the Future also has plans to fund long-term educational efforts on the benefits of AI to Florida. That will include events, engagement teams, marketing and other multifaceted advocacy campaigns.

The announcement is the latest political effort by the new super PAC, which is already backing candidates for Congress in Illinois, Texas, New York and North Carolina.