OpenAI executive proposes AI agenda ahead of 2028 election

OpenAI chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane argues that artificial intelligence could become a defining issue in the 2028 presidential election. In a new essay, he compares AI’s potential economic impact with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and calls for a “compelling third path” that would let Americans share in the technology’s benefits. His five priorities include worker protections, education, child safety, AI safeguards and data-center development.

Lehane supports incentives for workers to gain AI skills, easier financing for entrepreneurs, and new forms of employee ownership and profit-sharing. He also highlights construction jobs and local tax revenue from data centers, while warning that moratoriums could weaken the United States’ position relative to China. The essay proposes age-appropriate protections for minors, AI safety standards, independent evaluations, public oversight and possible shutdown powers.

Kate Brennan of the AI Now Institute said the proposals differ from OpenAI’s earlier focus on faster development and fewer regulatory barriers. She argued that Lehane offers limited mechanisms to prevent wealth and market power from concentrating among AI companies. Brennan also cited OpenAI’s past opposition to California’s SB 1047 safety bill and efforts to limit state regulation, though the company has since supported some state safety laws. OpenAI did not provide further comment before publication.