# U.S. Midterms 2026, Epistemic AI on Democratic Victory: “Stricter Rules Are Possible, but Room Must Be Left for Evidence-Based Applications”

In a LaPresse interview, Stefano Pacifico discusses AI regulation after the 2026 U.S. midterms and the need to support evidence-based biomedical research.

By Stefano Pacifico — Co-founder and CEO, Epistemic AI

Published: 2026-11-06T15:38:00+01:00
Canonical: https://epistemic.ai/insights/us-midterms-2026-evidence-based-ai-regulation/

In an
[interview with LaPresse](https://www.lapresse.it/tecnologia/2026/11/06/midterm-usa-2026-epistemic-ai-sulla-vittoria-dem-possibili-regole-piu-severe-ma-lasciare-spazio-agli-usi-sostenuti-da-prove-solide/),
Epistemic AI CEO and co-founder Stefano Pacifico discusses how the U.S. midterms
could affect AI and biomedical research.

The English translation below explains his call for rules that protect patients
and sensitive data while supporting AI applications backed by solid evidence.

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“It is possible” that, following
[the Democrats’ electoral victory](https://www.lapresse.it/esteri/2026/11/05/elezioni-midterm-usa-2026-lo-tsunami-blu-travolge-trump-che-non-accetta-responsabilita-della-sconfitta/)
in the United States, “the legislative direction could lead to stricter
regulations for companies operating in artificial intelligence. That could
happen. In our industry, regulations must protect patients and sensitive data.
But they must also leave room for AI applications supported by solid evidence
that can improve research and decision-making. And it is too early to speak of a
general reversal in policy.”

So said Stefano Pacifico, CEO and co-founder of Epistemic AI, in an interview
with LaPresse.

With 20 years of experience in applied artificial intelligence research
internationally, particularly in the United States, Pacifico created in New York
the first ChatGPT-like system for biomedical sciences, capable of providing
accurate and comprehensive answers to thousands of scientific questions.

Asked whether there would be a shift away from the Trump era, Pacifico replied
that “it is too early to tell.”

Before speaking of “a general reversal in policy,” he explained, “we need to
examine decisions on research funding, data, and the regulatory framework. I
hope that support will continue for AI applications that deliver tangible
benefits to patients.”

Pacifico emphasized that “artificial intelligence is not just data centers and
technology giants.”

“Getting better medicines to patients sooner benefits everyone. That is what
makes me optimistic: AI serving healthcare can attract support across political
divides,” said the Epistemic AI CEO.

## Regulations for Companies and Support for Biomedical Research

To determine whether the concerns of AI-focused companies are justified, it is
necessary to understand which policy decisions have the greatest impact on the
sector.

“What matters is access to reliable scientific information,” Pacifico explained,
“clear rules on the responsible use of data, certainty about the criteria used
to evaluate AI, and support for biomedical research.

“At Epistemic AI, we help biopharmaceutical companies and governments make
better decisions in drug development. Better decision-making can help develop
better medicines more efficiently. But the benefits must be demonstrated, not
taken for granted.”

Regarding the markets’ immediate reaction to the election results, particularly
Big Tech and AI stocks, with shares of companies involved in building data
centers falling in the wake of the Democrats’ blue wave in the United States,
Pacifico declined to speculate.

“I am not a stock market analyst. I would be cautious about attributing
short-term stock price movements to a single political cause.

“What I can speak to, however, is the long-term opportunity: making biomedical
research more useful and more efficient. The value of AI in biomedical research
is measured by evidence and results,” he concluded.