Democrats run on AI policy in 2026 campaigns

A growing number of Democrats are putting AI regulation at the heart of their 2026 campaigns, making it a defining issue for the next Congress. As AI's rapid advancements sound alarms even from within the ranks of AI companies, the Trump administration has embraced a very hands-off approach to the technology, and Congress has not passed major AI legislation. Democrats running for office see an opportunity. "The next generation of Democrats understand that AI is going to reshape the economy they work in and change how their kids grow up," said Andrew Mamo, a Democratic strategist working on House and Senate campaigns. He said that candidates are tapping into parental concerns about screen time and mental health. "It really speaks to how people who actually understand technology can better govern and legislate around technologies," said Amanda Litman, president of Run for Something, a group that works to elect progressive candidates.