Meta set to spend $750K backing Illinois statehouse candidates as AI and social media legislation looms

"After putting $45 million into a super PAC last year to influence state elections in favor of tech-friendly candidates nationwide, the company has begun spending specifically on state races supporting Republicans in Texas and Democrats in Illinois. In Illinois, Meta is bankrolling $750,000 for a new super PAC, Making Our Tomorrow, according to state campaign disclosure reports."

"Opponents of the candidates being backed by Making Our Tomorrow, some of whom have enthusiastically supported legislation that could raise digital ad taxes or efforts to stymie the proliferation of data centers in Illinois, said they are worried the Meta-backed candidates will go along with the company's interests if elected, a charge those reached by the Tribune denied."

"Braun, a former Illinois deputy attorney general, said he doesn't know why Meta is supporting his candidacy. But he said the company's backing, which has totaled more than $106,000 in campaign expenses through Tuesday, won't influence his beliefs. He said he supports strong AI regulations and that he previously worked with Attorney General Kwame Raoul to sue Meta for targeting children in its business model."

Meta has invested $750,000 into a new super PAC called Making Our Tomorrow to influence Illinois state House Democratic primary races. The super PAC has already spent nearly $340,000 on mailers and digital advertising supporting four candidates: Paul Kendrick, Adam Braun, Aja Kearney, and Rep. Jaime Andrade. This spending follows Meta's $45 million investment in a national super PAC last year to support tech-friendly candidates. Opponents worry the Meta-backed candidates will prioritize the company's interests, particularly regarding digital ad taxes and data center regulations. Supported candidates deny they will be influenced by Meta's backing, with some citing their previous work against the company.

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