Two organizations that rarely see eye-to-eye on artificial intelligence have found common ground: supporting Byron Donalds in Florida's Republican gubernatorial primary. Leading the Future, a super PAC that pushes for loose AI oversight, and Public First Action, a group championing stricter AI regulations, have each poured millions into ads backing the congressman, making them the dominant outside spenders in the race.
Together, they have saturated the media market, surpassing all other contenders in both expenditure and prominence. Despite their philosophical clash over how to govern AI, both see Donalds as a worthy investment.
This is not the first time these rivals have squared off. Donalds, who represents Florida's southwest Gulf Coast, enjoys a comfortable lead in primary polls and general election matchups, thanks in part to an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Florida's next governor will inherit a critical decision on AI policy. Incumbent Ron DeSantis had proposed an "AI Bill of Rights" that the state legislature never approved. Trump, meanwhile, favors a lighter regulatory touch. Donalds has sided with the latter, advocating for minimal federal oversight while supporting state-level actions to protect children online and encourage innovation.
His campaign says that approach resonates with voters. "He's focused on keeping Washington out of Florida's business," said his communications director.
The stakes are higher than just one race. As federal AI rules remain stalled, states are becoming laboratories for policy. Whoever wins in Florida will set a precedent for how AI is governed in a state with significant tech and defense industries.
Chris Stewart, who heads Public First Action, said Donalds has been clear about wanting states to take the lead on AI regulation. "He has been unequivocal that states should have a role to play, especially when the federal government is moving too slowly."
Both groups are also active in other contests across the country. In Florida's 25th Congressional District, Public First is backing a different Republican, while Leading the Future supports the Democratic incumbent. Their involvement signals a broader strategy: shape state-level decisions now before national rules are set.
Aubrey Jewett, a political scientist at the University of Central Florida, noted that such massive outside spending often aims to buy future access. "Interest groups want influence with whoever they believe will win, and they're willing to pay early for that connection," he said.
Donalds's campaign insists the outside money doesn't steer his decisions. "Byron Donalds answers to the people of Florida, not to super PACs," said a campaign spokesperson.
Still, the influx of cash reflects the high stakes. With no federal AI framework in place, states like Florida are becoming testing grounds for policies that could shape the technology's development nationwide. The groups are betting that backing Donalds now will pay off when he makes decisions on AI oversight, data privacy, and state-level regulations.
For voters, the choice is clear: they will elect a governor who may define how AI is governed in the state for years. And both sides are spending millions to ensure their vision wins. As one analyst put it, "This is part of a broader effort to gain influence before the most consequential AI decisions are made."
The primary election takes place Tuesday, and the outcome will signal which faction gains early momentum in shaping AI's future.