Meta spends $65M to back AI-friendly politicians in state elections

Meta is investing $65M to influence state-level elections across the US, its largest political spending push to date. The company set up four Super PACs targeting both Republicans and Democrats, with spending starting this week in Texas and Illinois. In Texas, where Meta is building three AI data centers, the money backs Republican candidates. In Illinois, it's flowing into at least four state legislature races. The push is driven by Meta's concern over a patchwork of state-level AI regulations. State races are relatively cheap to influence, making $65M go a long way.

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