AI PAC Targets Recent York Candidate with FTX Ties

A pro-technology political action committee (PAC), Think Big PAC, is leveraging the controversy surrounding disgraced FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried to attack New York Assemblymember Alex Bores in the crowded Democratic primary for the state’s 12th Congressional District. The PAC is circulating materials highlighting over $100,000 in support Bores received from Bankman-Fried’s political network in 2022.

Think Big PAC’s Attack on Bores

Think Big PAC distributed a mailer to voters alleging that Bores received more than $100,000 in support from Bankman-Fried, the former head of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The mailer accuses Bores of being out of touch with constituents and questions his campaign financing, with the tagline “do better than Bores.” The PAC alleges that “Bankman-Fried’s buddies are bankrolling Bores for Congress.”

Bores’ Legislative Focus and the PAC’s Motivation

The attack on Bores comes as he competes in a high-profile primary against candidates including Jack Schlossberg, a member of the Kennedy family, and George Conway. Bores has gained attention for introducing legislation focused on artificial intelligence (AI) safety and accountability in New York state. This legislation, aimed at imposing guardrails on advanced AI systems, may have made him a target for industry-aligned groups like Think Big PAC, which supports pro-technology policies and opposes those seen as hostile to AI innovation.

Bankman-Fried’s Political Spending and Bores’ Unique Position

Bankman-Fried and other FTX executives were significant political donors in the 2022 election cycle, supporting candidates across the political spectrum. A review of campaign finance records revealed that 196 members of Congress received campaign support from Bankman-Fried or affiliated executives. Yet, Bores was one of only two state-level candidates in New York to receive support from the SBF-affiliated PAC, the other being Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.

Previous PAC Spending and Campaign Response

Think Big PAC has already invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising targeting Bores, including previous television and digital ads criticizing his past function at Palantir. Bores’ campaign responded to those ads with a cease-and-desist letter, accusing the PAC of making “false and defamatory statements.” As of March 20, 2026, Bores’ campaign has not responded to requests for comment regarding the latest attack.

Think Big PAC’s Stance

A spokesperson for Think Big PAC stated, “For someone who’s railed against deep fake AI, candidate Bores doesn’t seem to have trouble creating his own reality. He raked in over $100,000 from Sam-Bankman Fried’s sordid political network but refuses to acknowledge the connection.” The spokesperson added, “Bores is entitled to his own opinion but not his own set of facts on the role SBF has played in bankrolling his political career.”