Public First Action
American AI safety nonprofit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Public First Action is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization focused on public policy related to artificial intelligence.[1][2] Public First Action is a bipartisan group that advocates for AI transparency, safeguards, and export controls on advanced AI chips.[3]
History
Public First Action was formed in 2025 by former Congressmen Brad Carson, a Democrat, and Chris Stewart, a Republican, to advocate for federal, state, and local regulations related to AI.[4][5] The group's formation followed the founding of a super PAC network, Leading the Future, which advocates for deregulation of the AI industry and faster development of the new technology.[6][7] Public First Action supports measures that would increase transparency at frontier AI companies and impose export controls on advanced AI chips, in addition to opposing the preemption of state-level AI laws.[8]
In February 2026, Public First Action received $20 million from the AI company Anthropic.[9] That same month, the group announced plans to support 30 to 50 Democrats and Republicans in state and federal races, with Public First Action and aligned super PACs launching advertisements in Nebraska, Tennessee, and other states.[10] In one ad, Public First Action touted Senator Marsha Blackburn for her work on child online safety.[11]
As of 2026, the group plans to raise between $50 and $75 million for public oversight of AI and related reforms.[12]
Organization
Leadership and funding
Public First Action is led by Carson and Stewart.[13][14] The group has raised nearly $50 million in funding with a goal of raising $75 million during the 2026 midterms.[15][16] Anthropic has contributed $20 million to the group.[17]
Structure
Public First Action is aligned with three political action committees: Jobs and Democracy, which supports Democratic candidates; Defending Our Values, which supports Republican candidates; and Public First, which supports both Republicans and Democrats.[18]