As US mid-term elections near; OpenAI hires policy professionals with Republican and Democratic ties
Because of Jessica Schumer’s family connection to the Senate Democratic leader, the hiring could draw attention.
The AI company has reportedly hired Jessica Schumer, the daughter of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for a senior policy role covering government outreach and partnerships in Northeastern states, according to a report by Axios. She previously served as Amazon’s top public-policy official in New York, is joining OpenAI to work on government outreach and partnerships in Northeastern states, according to the report. OpenAI said her role will be focused on state and local policy rather than federal policy or work with Congress. She will not be involved in any advocacy before the Minority Leader or his office related to OpenAI business,” OpenAI said.
OpenAI is expanding its government and public policy team as the US midterm elections approach, bringing in professionals with ties to both Democrats and Republicans. The move comes as technology companies face growing attention from lawmakers over artificial intelligence, regulation and the future of the industry. The hiring strategy has drawn attention as analysts and industry observers watch how Silicon Valley is preparing for the November elections. Jessica Schumer’s father, Chuck Schumer, is a leading Democratic senator who has played a role in efforts to develop federal AI policy. “Jessica will focus on state and local public policy efforts and not federal policy or engagement with Congress.
OpenAI has also hired a former Meta public-policy official who previously worked for a Republican state leader.