San Francisco political operatives join AI giants to navigate local government

The move to AI giants

San Francisco political figures are increasingly moving into the artificial intelligence sector to help companies navigate the complexities of government relations. As reported by Mission Local, several operatives and former city workers have joined major firms like Anthropic and OpenAI. These moves come as the industry races to become the dominant force in AI technology.

One notable example is Connor Skelly, who served as a spokesman for a former San Francisco supervisor candidate. Skelly joined Anthropic in September to work on 'Special Projects' after his time in local politics. His career includes involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s Citizens’ Advisory Council.

Another prominent hire is Michael Lai, a former candidate for a supervisor seat who joined Anthropic in May 2025. His specific role involves showing government agencies the value of the company's product, Claude. Lai previously met with Anthropic leadership to discuss how citizens feel unheard due to red tape and infrastructure issues.

Technical governance experts

Beyond campaign staffers, AI companies are hiring individuals with deep experience in technical governance and public policy. Ann O’Leary, who previously worked as a deputy city attorney, now heads the global AI policy efforts for OpenAI. She also served as chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom during his time as mayor of San Francisco.

Laura Bisesto also joined OpenAI in a high-level role reporting to the company's chief financial officer. Prior to this, Bisesto spent several years as an assistant district attorney within the San Francisco DA’s office. Her resume also includes public policy leadership roles at major corporations like Lyft, Verizon, and Nextdoor.

These hires suggest that AI firms need more than just lobbyists to succeed in the public sector. They require people who understand the mechanics of city law, public service delivery, and the nuances of government litigation. This expertise helps these companies position their tools as viable solutions for complex public problems.

The value of local ties

San Francisco serves as the backyard for the AI industry, making local political knowledge a valuable commodity. Strategists note that it has been historically difficult for companies like OpenAI to secure tax breaks at City Hall. By hiring locals, these firms hope to build the relationships necessary to influence local and state policy.

Some roles are specifically designed to help state and local agencies understand how to integrate AI tools into their existing workflows. These positions can offer significant compensation, with some salaries reaching up to $400,000. The goal is to paint a vision for how public agencies can successfully deploy products like Claude.

Local operatives also provide a bridge to state-level connections, which are often more critical for existential policy fights. While city relationships are important for maintaining a home base, the real lobbying boom is happening at the state and federal levels. Companies are staffing up appropriately to handle both spheres of influence simultaneously.

Navigating the political landscape

The specific political environment of San Francisco is seen as a training ground for the type of mind required for these roles. The city's tight geography and contradictory political climate breed individuals who are well-adapted to navigating complex interests. This makes them ideal for companies trying to manage public affairs in a high-stakes environment.

Lobbyists are also playing a key role in these dynamics, sometimes representing rival companies simultaneously. For example, Alex Tourk lobbied for both OpenAI and Anthropic regarding city officials and business taxes. These arrangements highlight the interconnected nature of the local political and tech ecosystems.

As these companies continue to grow, the line between private innovation and public policy will likely continue to blur. The influx of former government workers suggests that the next phase of AI development will be defined by how well these products can be integrated into the fabric of government. This shift marks a transition from building technology to selling it as a public utility.