Build American AI is planning state-level ads in Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin before the 2026 midterms.
Why it matters: The planned buy pulls AI data-center politics into campaign spending, with implications for permitting, utility demand and state elections. It also shows AI infrastructure is becoming a political and business issue, not just a technology one.
- Axios reported Aug. 31, 2026, that Build American AI is planning a multimillion-dollar ad buy.
- The first states targeted are Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin.
- TechCrunch reported the group is funded by Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz and Greg Brockman through its tie to Leading the Future.
- Build American AI's published pillars call for a national AI computing hub on federal land, with companies paying full energy and infrastructure costs.
Build American AI, an advocacy group tied to the pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future, is planning state-level advertising aimed at data-center politics ahead of the 2026 midterms, Axios reported Aug. 31. The first states in the planned push are Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin.
TechCrunch reported that the group is funded by Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz and Greg Brockman through its affiliation with Leading the Future. TechCrunch
Build American AI's own materials say it is associated with Leading the Future and describe it as a policy group focused on supporting AI development in the U.S. Build American AI
Its published pillars call for a national AI computing hub on federal land, with companies paying full energy and infrastructure costs. Build American AI
The group also published an August 2026 report on Texas that frames AI infrastructure as an energy, construction, manufacturing, logistics and workforce story. Build American AI
By the numbers
- 3 - States named in the planned ad push: Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin.
- 2026 - The midterm cycle the ads are aimed at.
- Aug. 31, 2026 - The date Axios reported the planned campaign.
Yes, but: The ads are only planned, the draft does not confirm the final spend, and there is no evidence yet that the campaign will affect voters or policy.
What's next: Watch for confirmation of the ad budget, timing and whether Build American AI expands beyond Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin.