Pro-AI PAC's spending for Hoyle becomes flashpoint in Oregon 4th District rematch

A political action committee tied to leaders at OpenAI and other tech firms spent $292,000 in independent expenditures supporting Rep. Val Hoyle during the Democratic primary, according to FEC data. The spending is now central to Republican challenger Monique DeSpain's campaign.

DeSpain's first TV ad of the cycle accuses Hoyle of taking money from AI companies driving the data-center boom. "They get massive tax breaks. We get higher bills," the ad says.

Hoyle says she has not accepted money from AI companies and does not control the independent spending, which was not authorized by her campaign. She has co-sponsored bills to regulate AI and address data-center impacts, including the Ratepayer Protection Act and the House version of Sen. Bernie Sanders' Ban Artificial Super Intelligence Act. She told KLCC she wants federal legislation with clear guardrails and said industry wants that clarity too.

DeSpain promised not to accept AI industry money but did not specify what AI regulations she would support or oppose, saying she planned to listen to voters. She said communities should have the power to reject data centers.

Pacific Green candidate Justice Filip, also running again, has not yet stated his position.