OpenAI urges 2028 presidential hopefuls to prioritize AI governance

OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Chris Lehane, has circulated a memorandum to potential 2028 presidential candidates and political figures, emphasizing that AI will be a decisive issue in the next election cycle. The document warns that candidates must move beyond soundbites to develop substantive frameworks for AI governance and infrastructure development.

Lehane specifically addressed the Democratic Party, cautioning that opposition to the infrastructure required for AI, such as large-scale data centers, could weaken their platform. He noted that the construction of these facilities has already become a flashpoint for voters concerned about the rapid pace of technological change and shifting socioeconomic structures.

In his proposal, Lehane suggests a middle-ground approach that avoids both unchecked technological expansion and total restriction. He argues that the next president has a significant opportunity to define the relationship between citizens and emerging technology, comparing the potential impact to the historical significance of the New Deal.

The memo urges candidates to address pressing public concerns, including AI-driven taxation, child safety, and the preservation of human decision-making in critical processes. OpenAI’s outreach reflects the company's broader effort to shape the political discourse surrounding artificial intelligence as it matures toward the 2028 election.