OpenAI's Chris Lehane pitches an AI 'New Deal' with five policy priorities ahead of the 2028 election
In an essay published a day after the Democratic midterm sweep, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer urges a 'compelling third path' so Americans share in AI's benefits.
Why it matters
Lehane compares AI's economic shake-up to the conditions behind Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and lists five priorities spanning worker protections, education, AI safety and data centre development. TechCrunch notes the tone differs from OpenAI's agenda last year, which centred on faster development, fewer regulatory barriers and more infrastructure. AI Now's Kate Brennan called the New Deal framing ahistorical. Watch whether candidates adopt the language as data centres and electricity bills become election issues.
Key facts
- Essay by Chris Lehane, OpenAI chief global affairs officer
- Published November 4, 2026, after Democrats won control of Congress
- Five policy priorities: worker protections, education, AI safety and data centres among them
- Calls for a 'compelling third path' on AI
- AI Now's Kate Brennan called the New Deal framing ahistorical