Eighteen candidates for federal and state offices have signed a pledge to support increased regulation of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The group, consisting of 17 Democrats and one independent, signed the "AI Pact," which outlines five policy goals for oversight of the technology. The signatories include candidates for the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and gubernatorial seats across 14 states.
The pledge arrives as political attention turns toward the infrastructure supporting AI, specifically the environmental impact of data centers. Critics have pointed to the resource demands of these facilities, while proponents highlight its benefits in medicine. The American Medical Association reported that over three-quarters of physicians believe AI improves patient care, though an analyst at the Environmental and Energy Study Institute reported that a medium-sized data center can consume up to about 110 million gallons of water annually for cooling.
The AI Pact was proposed by the Political Integrity Project, an anti-corruption organization. The agreement requires signers to advocate for ending "giveaways and backroom deals" regarding data centers and establishing mandatory safety reviews for AI models before they are released to the public. It also calls for an "AI dividend" to assist workers affected by market disruptions and seeks to hold companies accountable for "financial and material harms." Furthermore, the pledge opposes public bailouts for AI firms that engage in "reckless market risk."
The group affected by this movement includes AI developers, data center operators, and workers in sectors prone to automation. Specifically, 18 candidates from 14 states have committed to these regulations. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute analyst, a medium-sized data center's annual water usage is equivalent to that of roughly 1,000 households.
The impact for voters and businesses would depend on the passage of legislation following these principles. A July 2026 Emerson College poll found 63 percent of respondents opposed the construction of data centers in or near their communities. Workers in industries impacted by AI could see new benefits through the proposed "AI dividend" intended to mitigate disruptions. AI firms would face new requirements, such as mandatory safety reviews.
Charlie Blaettler of the Guardrails Alliance stated that the AI industry is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on lobbying and super PACs to discourage candidates from standing up for these regulations. Signatories include Connie Chan, who is running for a House seat in California, and Gina Hinojosa, who is challenging Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Independent candidate Dan Osborn, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), also signed.