NEW YORK — In a significant move within New York politics, Rep. Pat Ryan has thrown his support behind state Assemblymember Alex Bores to succeed the retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler in one of the state's most fiercely contested primary elections. Ryan's endorsement, revealed exclusively to POLITICO, highlights the intense debate over artificial intelligence (AI) regulation that has come to dominate the campaign.

Ryan praised Bores for his bravery and expertise in tackling AI issues, stating, "A handful of the richest people in the world are spending millions to defeat him because they’re terrified of a true leader with the courage to take them on. That’s all the proof I need to know I’m on the right side. With courageous leaders like Alex paving the way, we can and we will win this fight."

The race for New York's 12th District, covering a significant portion of Manhattan, has become a battleground not just for political candidates but for future AI policy directions. Bores, a former data analytics professional and a critic of tech giants, has been vocal about the need for stringent AI regulations. His stance has attracted substantial financial backing from AI regulation proponents, even as pro-AI groups have mounted significant opposition.

Bores' campaign recently highlighted his role in passing the "toughest AI safety law in the nation," a clear nod to his focus on managing the rapid development of AI technologies responsibly. His alignment with Ryan on AI issues is evident as both emphasize the urgency of legislative action to keep pace with technological advancements.

This endorsement from Ryan, a key figure in the Democratic Party who has been speculated as a future candidate for higher office, could provide a significant boost to Bores' campaign. Bores has already secured endorsements from influential figures and organizations, including the United Federation of Teachers and Our Revolution, a group founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders.

The primary race remains highly competitive, with Bores facing off against other well-known candidates like Assemblymember Micah Lasher, Kennedy family member Jack Schlossberg, and anti-Trump commentator George Conway. With public polling limited and no clear frontrunner, endorsements like Ryan's could be pivotal.

As the campaign heats up, the debate over AI's future not only shapes this race but also forecasts the larger national dialogue on technology's role in society and governance. Bores' campaign and his supporters like Ryan are positioning AI regulation as a central issue, promising decisive action in the coming legislative sessions.