2028 Democrats like Newsom and Pritzker lean in on AI safety as Washington stalls

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, alongside other prominent Democrats like Gov. J.B. Pritzker, is stepping up efforts to address AI safety, issuing an executive order despite congressional inaction. This move highlights the urgency felt by these national-profile Democrats to assert leadership on emerging tech issues, positioning themselves ahead of the 2028 election. Newsom's action underscores a broader trend where state leaders are filling the gap left by federal government gridlock on critical technological regulation.