Meta Adds to AI PAC Spending With Campaigns in Texas and Illinois -- WSJ

Dow Jones02-19 04:59

By Amrith Ramkumar

Meta Platforms is bolstering its spending on political-action committees to fight state AI rules in Texas and Illinois, adding to the sector's giving ahead of the midterm elections.

The Facebook parent is starting two new super PACs to support Democrats and Republicans and help to combat the backlash against AI and the data centers needed to train models, people familiar with the matter said.

The Republican-focused group will start by supporting Texas officials and candidates who back data-center development and less-restrictive regulations, while the Democratic organization will seek to fight Illinois proposals that Meta and other companies say could stymie innovation, some of the people said.

The New York Times previously reported on Meta's latest PAC activity.

Illinois and Texas have some of the earliest primaries in the country, with votes taking place in coming weeks.

The new PACs add to multiple groups Meta funded last year to battle regulations in California and across the country.

Many AI companies and opponents of the industry are gearing up for state fights because Congress isn't expected to act on the issue. Opposing them are groups in favor of AI guardrails, some of which have the backing of other industry players like Anthropic.

This item is part of a Wall Street Journal live coverage event. The full stream can be found by searching P/WSJL (WSJ Live Coverage).

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 18, 2026 15:59 ET (20:59 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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