AI moves from novelty to political tool
At least 15 campaign advertisements featuring AI-generated content have aired since November, highlighting how rapidly the technology has embedded itself in American politics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. From school board races to gubernatorial contests and Senate campaigns, artificial intelligence is being used to alter voices, generate videos and reshape political messaging.
In Massachusetts, Republican gubernatorial primary candidate Brian Shortsleeve’s campaign released a radio advertisement that uses AI to mimic the voice of Democratic Gov. Maura Healey. In the clip, the AI-generated version of Healey appears to say statements about the state’s economy that she never actually made. The ad does not contain a direct disclaimer stating that AI was used. Instead, it suggests the audio reflects what her ads would sound like “if she was honest.”
The campaign has also published AI-created videos portraying Healey as the Grinch and another showing her with exaggerated red eyes. Those pieces similarly lacked explicit AI disclaimers.
Campaigns defend creative use
Patrick Nestor, communications director for Shortsleeve, said the campaign uses AI to inform voters in what he described as a creative and humorous way. He added that the campaign discloses AI use when it depicts a person in a way that would not be obvious to a reasonable viewer.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party criticized the tactic, with Chair Steve Kerrigan saying the candidate should focus on policy differences rather than misleading portrayals.
At the national level, the National Republican Senatorial Committee released an AI-generated video featuring James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Texas, appearing to read real social media posts on race and transgender rights. Talarico’s spokesperson responded by arguing that Republican candidates were reacting defensively to his campaign.
Local races also experimenting
AI has also appeared in local contests. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign in New York City used AI imagery in ads depicting criminals backing now-Mayor Zohran Mamdani. In Texas, Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign drew scrutiny for its AI use, while Republican groups also incorporated AI-generated versions of her likeness.
Experts say the technology’s appeal is partly financial. Producing traditional political ads can cost thousands of dollars or more, depending on production quality and distribution. AI-generated visuals and audio can significantly reduce expenses and speed up turnaround times, making them attractive to campaigns with limited resources.
Legal and ethical gray areas
Concerns center on the potential to mislead voters. “Anytime generative AI is used to create messaging or imagery that is misleading, that’s a negative thing,” said Mark Jablonowski, CEO of DSPolitical, a progressive advertising firm. He noted that fabricating events or statements that never occurred poses serious risks.
Regulation largely varies by state. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 26 states have laws addressing political deepfakes, either requiring disclosure or restricting their use close to Election Day. Some states, including Maine and Vermont, have proposed additional disclosure requirements for AI-generated political content.
At the federal level, proposed legislation such as the REAL Political Advertisements Act has stalled in Congress. As AI tools continue to improve and become more realistic, observers expect their use in campaigns to expand, raising ongoing questions about transparency, voter trust and ethical standards.
