A new poll by Upswing Research and Strategy with the AI accountability group Guardrails Action surveyed Americans in New York’s 12th congressional district, which encompasses parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The survey found that 79 percent of respondents said their “top concern” with AI is that tech companies are “too close to Trump and helping him erode democracy.” Additionally, 81 percent flagged AI companies stealing data and private information as either their “top concern” or a “major concern,” while 71 percent said AI-integrated surveillance of Americans is a top or major concern. Nearly half of all respondents also criticized Democrats, saying party leadership sold out to big corporations and special interests to fund their campaigns. The article notes that Democratic party leadership has accepted millions of dollars from AI super PACs in 2026, and incumbent Democratic candidates have been warned by party strategists not to antagonize the tech industry. Guardrails Action executive director Shaunna Thomas said in a statement that “Big AI goliaths think they can buy off our government, our elections, our leaders, and our future,” and argued that voters “want leaders that won’t sell out to Big AI, corporate donors, or Trump’s fascist agenda.”