OpenAI has hired Jessica Schumer, daughter of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), to lead government outreach and partnerships in the U.S. Northeast, according to reports. The move coincides with OpenAI’s broader expansion of its policy team as states increasingly shape AI regulations while federal oversight remains under development.
OpenAI confirmed the hire in a statement to media outlets, emphasizing that Jessica Schumer’s role will focus exclusively on state and local public policy efforts and will not involve federal advocacy or direct engagement with her father’s office. The company stated she will not participate in any advocacy before the Minority Leader or his staff regarding OpenAI’s business.
The hiring follows OpenAI’s recent expansion of its policy operations, including the addition of multiple specialists focused on state-level government relations. This shift reflects the growing influence of state legislatures in AI governance amid stalled federal regulatory efforts.
Chuck Schumer’s stance on AI infrastructure
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has repeatedly called for expanded U.S. AI infrastructure to maintain global competitiveness. In January 2025 remarks on the Senate floor, he argued that the country must "build the capacity" to meet rising AI demand, citing major tech companies’ plans for new data centers. Schumer has advocated for both infrastructure growth and increased accountability for data center developers, positioning himself as a key voice in Congress on AI policy.
Jessica Schumer’s background and role
Jessica Schumer previously served as head of New York policy and community engagement at Amazon before joining OpenAI. Her prior roles include serving as chief of staff of the Council of Economic Advisers during the Obama administration and working as policy director for Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) during Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. OpenAI’s statement reiterated that her responsibilities will not overlap with federal lobbying efforts.
The company’s hiring of Schumer’s daughter occurs amid broader industry efforts to influence state-level AI policies. States such as California, Colorado, and Texas have introduced or advanced AI-related legislation, creating a patchwork of regulations that tech companies must navigate. OpenAI’s expansion into state policy teams aligns with this trend, as federal guidelines for AI governance remain pending.
Industry response and regulatory landscape
The tech industry has increasingly turned to state-level lobbying as federal AI regulation faces delays. OpenAI’s move follows similar hiring trends among other major firms, including Meta, which has contributed to both Democratic and Republican-aligned political groups in recent election cycles. The company’s spending reflects efforts to cultivate influence across party lines amid heightened scrutiny of AI’s societal impacts.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has introduced legislation to ban the development of artificial superintelligence, citing concerns over systems operating beyond human control. Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has urged industry leaders to better communicate AI’s benefits to the public amid growing skepticism about the technology’s risks.
OpenAI and Chuck Schumer’s office have not responded to requests for further comment beyond their previously issued statements.