Since November, at least 15 campaign advertisements featuring AI-generated content have aired across federal, state and local elections, according to an NBC News review. The ads range from radio spots mimicking a politician's voice to videos depicting candidates as cartoon characters, marking a new frontier in political advertising ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In Massachusetts' gubernatorial race, the campaign of Republican primary candidate Brian Shortsleeve created an AI-generated radio ad that mimics Democratic Gov. Maura Healey's voice, featuring statements she never actually made about the state's economy. The ad does not contain an explicit AI disclosure, instead using a caption stating it is what Healey's radio ads would sound like 'if she was honest.' Shortsleeve's campaign also released AI-generated videos depicting Healey as the Grinch and another showing her hissing with red eyes, neither containing explicit AI disclaimers.
What the Left Is Saying
Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan called on Shortsleeve to stop what he characterized as lying to voters. 'He should stop lying to voters and tell them the truth — he will be a rubber stamp on President Trump's harmful agenda,' Kerrigan said in a February statement.
Progressive political operatives have raised concerns about the ethical boundaries of AI-generated political content. Mark Jablonowski, CEO of DSPolitical, a progressive advertising firm, said that when generative AI is used to create messaging or imagery that is misleading, it represents a negative development in political communications. 'When you're trying to be deceitful or have something that never existed, that's a big issue,' Jablonowski said.
Some progressive Democrats have also found themselves targeted by AI ads from Republican groups. The National Republican Senatorial Committee released an AI-generated video of James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Texas, reading real tweets on race and transgender rights. Talarico's campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
What the Right Is Saying
Patrick Nelson, Shortsleeve's communications director, defended the campaign's use of AI as a way to educate voters in a 'creative, humorous, and fun' manner. He said the campaign's policy is to disclose AI use if it depicts a person in a way that is 'not obvious to a reasonable viewer.'
Supporters of AI in political advertising argue the technology allows smaller campaigns with limited resources to produce competitive content. Todd Belt, a professor at George Washington University and director of its political management program, noted that production costs for traditional political ads can range from around $1,000 to significantly more, depending on factors including production costs, casting and postproduction. AI-generated imagery offers a cost-saving alternative for campaigns operating on tight budgets.
The debate over AI in politics extends beyond individual races. Some Republicans have embraced AI as a messaging tool, while others have expressed concern about its potential for misuse. The technology has been used by campaigns across the political spectrum, complicating partisan framing of the issue.
What the Numbers Show
Twenty-six states have laws regulating political deepfakes, which use AI to create deceptively realistic video or audio. These laws either require disclosure of AI-generated content or prohibit its use within a certain time frame before an election, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
At the federal level, no comprehensive AI disclosure law for political ads exists. In 2023, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., introduced the REAL Political Advertisements Act, which would require AI disclosures on political ads. Neither bill received a vote in its respective chamber.
The cost of producing traditional political advertisements varies widely. According to Media Culture, a media buying and marketing company, production costs can range from around $1,000 to significantly higher amounts depending on production quality, casting and distribution needs. AI-generated content offers a lower-cost alternative for campaigns with limited budgets.
The Bottom Line
The emergence of AI-generated political ads represents a significant shift in campaign strategy, with both major parties using the technology. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the lack of consistent federal regulations means disclosure requirements will continue to vary by state. While some campaigns voluntarily disclose AI use, others have faced criticism for what critics characterize as deceptive practices. Political observers expect the use of AI in political advertising to increase, making the question of disclosure and ethical guidelines increasingly urgent for voters and regulators alike.