Meta Allocates $65 M to AI-Friendly State Politicians via Two New PACs
Meta plans to invest $65 million in 2026 to back state politicians supportive of artificial intelligence, launching two super PACs targeting Republicans in Texas and Democrats in Illinois as its largest election spend. The effort aims to block restrictive state AI laws and safeguard Meta’s three Texas data centers.
1. $65 Million Investment in AI-Friendly Politicians
Meta Platforms Inc. will dedicate $65 million in 2026 to back state legislators who support its artificial intelligence initiatives, marking the company’s largest election-related expenditure. The program kicks off this week in Texas and Illinois, where Meta operates key AI data centers.
2. Launch of Two New Super PACs
Meta has established Forge the Future Project to support pro-Republican candidates in Texas, led by GOP strategist Brian Baker, and Making Our Tomorrow to back pro-Democratic AI advocates in Illinois. These two super PACs share an initial combined budget of $65 million.
3. Strategy to Counter Restrictive AI Legislation
The political funding drive is designed to preempt state-level laws that could hinder AI development and operations at Meta’s Texas data centers. This marks a significant escalation from the company’s prior modest corporate PAC contributions.