OpenAI has hired Jessica Schumer, daughter of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for a significant policy position, a move occurring as technology companies intensify efforts to build ties with Democrats before the upcoming midterm elections.
Schumer, previously Amazon's top public policy official in New York, will manage government outreach and partnerships for OpenAI in the Northeastern United States, according to Axios, citing a spokesperson for the artificial intelligence firm. Her background includes roles in the Obama White House as chief of staff for the Council of Economic Advisers and policy director for Tim Kaine's 2016 presidential campaign. She also previously worked for Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and Airbnb in policy, communications, and public affairs roles.
The hiring could attract attention given her father's leadership role in the Senate's development of federal AI policy. Her sister, Alison Schumer, also has a career in the tech sector, holding positions at Facebook, Instagram, Airbnb, and returning to Facebook.
This development coincides with a broader trend of Big Tech companies, which had previously cultivated relationships with former President Trump, now diversifying their political engagement ahead of an election that could shift control of the House of Representatives. OpenAI has reportedly pursued a bipartisan strategy, also hiring Caulder Harvill-Childs, formerly of Meta, for policy and partnerships in the Southeast, who previously worked for a Republican Georgia House Speaker.
Other technology firms are also adapting their strategies. Meta, for example, has reportedly distributed significant funding to groups aligned with both Democratic and Republican parties. Companies like Meta and Palantir are reportedly preparing for potential congressional investigations should Democrats gain control of the House, a scenario that would grant committees subpoena power.
Overall, artificial intelligence companies and their financial backers are investing tens of millions of dollars in congressional races, including Democratic primaries, to influence the formation of AI policy. Groups like Leading the Future, supported by prominent figures in the tech industry, have backed candidates from both parties. Similarly, prediction-market company Kalshi has hired individuals with experience in both Democratic and Republican political circles to lead its government relations efforts, including a former Biden administration official and a veteran Obama strategist.