OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane, is positioning AI as a central issue for the 2028 U.S. presidential election. In a recent essay, Lehane likens AI’s disruptive potential to that of the economic upheaval during the Great Depression, suggesting a “new social contract” is needed to ensure Americans share in AI’s prosperity. His policy focus includes worker protections, education enhancements, AI safety standards, and support for data center expansion, which are essential to OpenAI’s growth. However, critics highlight that Lehane’s proposals emphasize fostering AI adoption without strong measures to address potential economic disruptions or corporate accountability.

Lehane’s vision faces skepticism, as many of his suggested policies offer incentives for skills training and entrepreneurship but lack mandates to redistribute AI-generated wealth or curb corporate power. This approach parallels a shift from OpenAI’s earlier agenda, which prioritized accelerating AI development and reducing regulatory barriers. Concerns about data centers, particularly their environmental impacts and community effects, surfaced prominently during the recent midterm elections, highlighting bipartisan voter anxieties over AI infrastructure growth. Nevertheless, Lehane stresses data centers’ economic benefits and warns against moratoriums that could undermine America’s competitive edge against China, a stance that evokes debate over balancing innovation with local and environmental interests.

The midterm elections revealed significant public resistance to the rapid construction of AI data centers, which played a role in key races across states like Ohio and Texas. Voters expressed worries about rising electricity costs, local environmental harm, and limited community input. With Democrats now controlling Congress, there is momentum for legislation that could impose stricter oversight on data center development, possibly including moratoriums and requirements for companies to fund their own infrastructure costs. These political developments suggest data center regulation will be a contentious and paramount issue leading into the 2028 election cycle.

Lehane also highlights child safety, education equity, and enforceable AI safety rules in his policy agenda, advocating for human oversight over AI decision-making. Yet, critics question the sincerity of OpenAI’s commitment to regulation, noting its past opposition to stringent safety legislation. As the political and social landscape evolves, OpenAI’s role in shaping AI policy and public perception is becoming increasingly influential. Whether its proposals will lead to fairer distribution of AI’s benefits or simply reinforce corporate dominance remains uncertain as the 2028 election looms.