Newsom's AI regulatory push shifts focus to 2028

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a leading presidential contender, has intensified his focus on artificial intelligence regulation with the release of an executive order addressing key issues such as independent auditors and kill switches. This move comes amid a lack of federal action on AI governance, with states stepping in to fill the regulatory gap. Newsom's initiative highlights California's role as both a hub for AI innovation and a leader in setting oversight standards. While Newsom has shown some deference to Kamala Harris, another 2028 presidential candidate, he has not hesitated to assert his position on AI governance. Other Democratic candidates, including former Vice President Harris and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, have also called for stricter AI regulations. Meanwhile, the Senate bill in Massachusetts proposes more stringent measures, requiring independent evaluations of AI models every four months. This growing state-level engagement in AI regulation reflects a broader trend as political leaders seek to shape the future of the technology landscape ahead of the 2028 election. The push for AI oversight is also being influenced by political strategies, with some candidates using antipathy toward data centers to target opponents. Despite these dynamics, California's regulatory approach remains closely aligned with the state's frontier AI labs, underscoring its dual role as both innovator and regulator in the evolving AI landscape.