The fight over AI regulation, data centers and more will play a key role in the general elections.Demonstrators hold up "Stop Data Centers" signs as President Donald Trump speaks at the General Motors Proving Ground testing facility in Milford, Mich., on Monday, in July.Sarah Rice / Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAug. 4, 2026, 6:00 PM EDTBy Yasmin Vossoughian and Emily NgoWelcome to the daily Inside Scoop newsletter. Money and politics go hand in hand. But in these upcoming midterms, there’s “new” money coming from and advocating for AI. Plus, speaking of midterms, there’s a big race to watch in Michigan tonight. I texted with Steve Kornacki about its major implications. Let’s get into it.AI behemoths have unleashed tens of millions of dollars in political races this election cycle in hopes of influencing how the government regulates their industry. It’s likely only the beginning.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.
Why AI giants’ political spending could balloon this fall
The fight over AI regulation, data centers and more will play a key role in the general elections.
AI firms are spending tens of millions to influence AI and data-center regulatory outcomes. For IT leaders: regulatory strategy is now critical—midterm results will directly shape compliance costs, AI liability exposure, and infrastructure deployment timelines.







