technology ·
OpenAI plans policy blitz after Tuesday midterms, rebranding data centers
Following Tuesday's midterms, OpenAI plans a significant policy and public relations push to align with the incoming Washington, which is expected to be more challenging for AI firms after two years…
Following Tuesday's midterms, OpenAI plans a significant policy and public relations push to align with the incoming Washington, which is expected to be more challenging for AI firms after two years of a cooperative White House.
The company is also positioning itself to influence the discourse surrounding the 2028 presidential race, with discussions among potential contenders starting Wednesday. Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, described Tuesday as an "electoral portal from one era to the next," stating, "You can try to chase the moment, or seek to inform the moment via the power of ideas."
Since August, Lehane and his team have been preparing policy proposals, some novel and some revised, to drive the AI debate forward and guide its direction. This effort will commence during the lame-duck session of Congress, the often pivotal weeks between the election and the inauguration of new members and senators on January 3.
OpenAI's strategy centers on control, aiming to convey that AI development serves people rather than displacing them. The proposals include advocating for mandatory safeguards for the most advanced AI systems—essentially speed limits—to ensure humans maintain oversight. Lehane emphasized, "Our belief is people should always remain in control of this technology. AI should be built by and for people, and people should have more control over how the technology shapes their lives and communities."
To counter nationwide concerns about data centers, the firm intends to introduce new community agreements and commitments. Furthermore, it plans to propose state legislation to establish an industry standard, granting residents meaningful input on project construction and associated benefits. In a deliberate rebranding effort, OpenAI will promote its infrastructure as "AI compute campuses," arguing they can economically transform local areas.
The company is also developing concepts to frame AI as an empowering tool for daily life and employment, which involves supporting workers through transitions, expanding educational access, and facilitating new business growth. Internationally, OpenAI will advocate for the United States to help set global standards rooted in democratic values.
These efforts are partly geared toward the 2028 hopefuls, as Lehane noted, "AI is going to be the issue in 2028," calling the midterms a "bit of a movie trailer for what you're going to see in 2028." He added that the public requires more than just a simple condemnation, stating, "I don't think it's going to be good enough just to say 'AI bad.'"
Given that AI models become more capable daily, Lehane stressed that their policy priorities, especially concerning frontier safety, are about "meeting the moment in response to the rapidly advancing capabilities," a necessity he expects will continue with a new Congress.
Why it matters
As AI companies face a potentially harsher regulatory environment after the midterms, OpenAI is proactively shaping the narrative. Their efforts signal a major strategic shift in how tech giants will engage with future political cycles and policy-making.
