There’s a new heavyweight in the AI policy arena, and it’s not a tech company. Public First Action, a bipartisan 501(c)(4) nonprofit, has raised approximately $80 million across its network to push for stronger AI regulations in the US, making it one of the most well-funded advocacy operations focused on artificial intelligence oversight.
The organization was founded in 2025 by former Representatives Brad Carson, a Democrat, and Chris Stewart, a Republican.
Follow the money
The single largest disclosed donation to Public First Action came from Anthropic, the AI lab behind the Claude chatbot, which contributed $20 million in February 2026.
The organization’s network, which includes three affiliated super PACs, has raised nearly $50 million toward a target that initially ranged from $50 to $75 million for midterm activities in 2026. The combined fundraising across its entire operation is now approaching the $80 million mark as the election cycle heats up.
