OpenAI is bolstering its state-level policy operation with three new hires, including the daughter of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), according to Axios. The additions reflect the company’s growing focus on influencing artificial intelligence regulation at the state level, where bipartisan efforts to craft AI rules are accelerating.
Jessica Schumer, who previously led Amazon’s public policy work in New York and served as chief of staff to the Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama, will oversee OpenAI’s policy and partnerships across the Northeast. Her father, Chuck Schumer, has been a prominent figure in federal AI discussions, having sponsored major legislation aimed at regulating the technology.
A Bipartisan Lobbying Strategy
The other two hires bring a mix of political affiliations and tech industry experience. Caulder Harvill-Childs, a Republican policy veteran who worked for Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns and most recently managed public policy at Meta, will handle state-level policy and partnerships in the Southeast. Thomas MacLellan, who has over two decades in cyber policy with stints at Palo Alto Networks, Symantec, FireEye, and the National Governors Association, will lead OpenAI’s state cyber defense policy work.
The timing appears deliberate. State legislatures across the country are considering AI regulations, and a wave of cybersecurity incidents has kept the issue on lawmakers’ agendas. OpenAI’s top lobbyist, Chris Lehane, has described the company’s strategy as ‘reverse federalism’ β an approach where large, influential states adopt similar rules that effectively create a national standard without waiting for Congress to act.
This strategy acknowledges the gridlock in Washington, where passing comprehensive tech legislation has proven difficult. By engaging with state lawmakers, OpenAI aims to shape the patchwork of emerging state laws into a coherent framework that benefits its business model.
Leadership Turmoil Amid Political Expansion
Despite this political hiring spree, OpenAI has faced notable departures from its executive ranks. The company recently lost Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser, Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap, and Fidji Simo, who served as second-in-command to CEO Sam Altman. These exits come as OpenAI prepares for an expected initial public offering in 2027 and works to catch up with rival Anthropic in the business sales market.
One high-profile departure was Chris Malone, who joined OpenAI in March 2025 after the announcement of Stargate, the data center venture with Oracle and SoftBank. That project encountered early struggles, and Malone’s exit adds to the growing list of leaders leaving the company.
The juxtaposition of political expansion and executive instability highlights OpenAI’s dual challenge: navigating the complex landscape of AI governance while maintaining the leadership stability needed to execute its ambitious business plans. As the company works to influence policy at the state level, it must also reassure investors and partners that its internal operations remain on solid footing.
Source: www.breitbart.com β https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2026/09/07/sam-altmans-openai-hires-chuck-schumers-daughter-to-influence-state-level-ai-policies/