AI & Tech Brief: Bores loses the big AI primary

New York Assembly member Alex Bores, a prominent advocate for AI safety regulation, lost his Democratic primary on Tuesday.

Bores had introduced bills requiring safety testing and transparency for AI systems deployed in the state. His campaign was significantly outspent by tech industry political action committees, which poured millions into advertising against him. The primary attracted national attention as one of the highest-profile tests of AI safety as a political issue. Bores was considered a rising star in AI policy conversations.

The outcome is expected to slow the momentum for AI regulation in New York, which had been seen as a potential model for other states. Tech industry groups praised the result, while AI safety advocates expressed disappointment, fearing it may deter other legislators from pursuing similar measures. The result highlights the growing influence of tech money in state-level politics.