2026 Midterm Results: What Democrats’ Big Win Means for AI Regulation

ℹ️ EPISODE INFO

Released

November 9, 2026

Duration

53m

Channel

On with Kara Swisher

Watch on YouTube

▶ Open ↗

📝 EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Can Democrats use their midterm gains to pass meaningful AI legislation? Come 2027, alongside affordability and accountability, regulating artificial intelligence is top on the list for many Democrats — and a potential area for bipartisan cooperation. But President Trump has warned lawmakers not to “kill the golden goose.” What can Democrats actually get done? Texas Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX- 35), and California Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), join Kara to talk about the coming debate over AI legislation. They break down bills like The Frontier Act, as well as proposals focusing on workers, safety and privacy. They also discuss where they can find common ground with Republicans and each other, how to think about the AI race against China and whether Congress can keep pace with AI development and the technologists propelling it forward. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 01:11 The blue-nami 04:27 Hope for a bipartisan future? 06:30 The “beginning of the end of the Trump era” 11:52 AI legislation: what to prioritize? 17:12 What is the Frontier Act? 20:50 What does coordination with China look like? 28:12 Expert Question from NYS Assemblyman Alex Bores: Will you vote to ban RSI? 31:10 Will Dems hold CEOs accountable? 34:10 What to do about AI money in politics 37:05 Time for a Constitutional amendment? 40:41 Common ground on AI legislation 44:00 How to regulate with out popping the AI bubble 47:25 How to get Trump on board __ Subscribe: https://goo.gl/FRleYo Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/42ntT7X... FOLLOW US Instagram: / onwithkaras. . TikTok: / onwithkaraswi. . LinkedIn: / kara-swisher-b7213 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@onwithkarasw... Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/onwithkarasw...

🎤 SPEAKERS

• Greg Casar

  guest

  U.S. Representative from Texas and chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, focused on labor and progressive policy including AI regulation.

• Sam Liccardo

  guest

  U.S. Representative from California; former criminal prosecutor and public official, engaged in federal AI and tech policy.

• Kara Swisher

  host

  Journalist and podcaster who hosts 'On with Kara Swisher,' covering tech, politics, and business.

• Alex Bores

  cameo

  New York State Assembly member; author of the RAISE Act and co-founder of Who Decides, focused on AI governance and accountability.

🧾 EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of On with Kara Swisher, featuring Greg Casar and Sam Liccardo, 2026 Midterm Results: What Democrats’ Big Win Means for AI Regulation explores Democrats’ midterm sweep ignites push for tougher federal AI rules The episode discusses how Democrats’ decisive midterm win could enable major federal AI and tech legislation, and why the new majority must show it can govern quickly on issues voters care about.

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