California is the world’s preeminent base for leading artificial intelligence companies, giving lawmakers in Sacramento a front-row seat to the ascendant industry — and thus a way in to regulating it. But this dynamic is getting under Republicans’ skins.
Texas senator Ted Cruz and two other Donald Trump allies complained about California’s tech regulation during Politico’s AI and Tech Summit Tuesday, a united front of angst that comes as the state’s legislature sends various AI-focused bills to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. As Cruz pushes a “light-touch” national framework with few specifics so far, California lawmakers have passed bills this month on data centers, AI developer transparency and the use of AI in the workplace.
“I would just ask, do you want California and New York — not just states, but do you want Karen Bass and comrade Mamdani — setting the rules for AI?” said Cruz, the chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “Because that’s who’s going to be regulating, is far-left-wing governors and mayors. California is already trying to do so.”
Texas senator Ted Cruz and two other Donald Trump allies complained about California’s tech regulation during Politico’s AI and Tech Summit Tuesday, a united front of angst that comes as the state’s legislature sends various AI-focused bills to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. As Cruz pushes a “light-touch” national framework with few specifics so far, California lawmakers have passed bills this month on data centers, AI developer transparency and the use of AI in the workplace.
“I would just ask, do you want California and New York — not just states, but do you want Karen Bass and comrade Mamdani — setting the rules for AI?” said Cruz, the chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “Because that’s who’s going to be regulating, is far-left-wing governors and mayors. California is already trying to do so.”
