AI political action committees spent about $72 million this midterm election cycle, less than the crypto industry's $170 million.

AI-focused political action committees spent roughly $72 million in the current U.S. midterm election cycle, trailing the approximately $170 million deployed by the crypto industry's three major PACs, according to Eleanor Terrett. Both sectors saw some of their political investments fall short, with AI-backed candidates Darline Graham, Mike Rogers and Carlos For Texas losing their races. The figures underscore how crypto has become one of the largest corporate blocs in campaign finance, outspending the fast-growing AI sector despite the latter's rising policy profile. The comparison matters as lawmakers weigh legislation on both digital assets and artificial intelligence, and the spending gap may shape each industry's influence over the next Congress. Watch for post-election disclosures detailing which races drew the heaviest PAC funding and whether both sectors adjust their strategies for the next cycle.