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Valdez Says She's Never Used AI While Taking AI Money
13D AGOSTATEASSEMBLYMEMBER CLAIRE VALDEZAINY-07 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

Valdez Says She's Never Used AI While Taking AI Money

What's the gist?

During a recent debate, Democratic congressional candidate Claire Valdez claimed she's never intentionally used AI chatbots and favors regulatiing the technology. Campaign records show she accepted donations from AI investors.

Context

Valdez is running to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez in NY-7. She has the backing of the Democratic Socialists of America party and Mayor Mamdani. She regularly criticizes billionaires and the AI industry, promising to regulate tech companies while in Congress. However, campaign records show she took $7,000 from Silicon Valley AI investor Tom Preston-Werner and donations from other AI company employees. She was also criticized recently about accepting PAC money after railing against corporate money in politics. The PAC is funded by pro-Palestinian contributors.

Positive takes

Principled Anti-Tech Stance. Valdez consistently opposes AI and big tech influence in politics, demonstrating commitment to protecting working families from corporate exploitation.
Grassroots Campaign Focus. With over 20,000 small donors averaging $50, Valdez shows she's building a people-powered movement despite occasional larger contributions from tech figures.
Transparency in Vetting. Her campaign acknowledges they carefully vet donations, showing awareness of potential conflicts while maintaining anti-corporate positions.

Negative takes

Complete Hypocrisy. Taking thousands from AI billionaires while publicly opposing the industry reveals Valdez says one thing but does another when money's involved.
Campaign Finance Contradiction. Accepting donations from the same tech oligarchs she claims are creating affordability crises undermines her entire progressive message.
Pattern of Inconsistency. Beyond AI money, she's also taken donations from ICE contractors despite demanding the agency's abolition, showing systematic hypocrisy.
Who are you leaning toward in this race?Pick a candidate to see where New Yorkers stand