AI campaign ads are becoming more common in the 2026 midterms. In New York, one governor’s race ad used AI-generated images of Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman created the ad as he challenges Hochul. According to a report by The Associated Press, the ad identifies Blakeman’s campaign as its sponsor but does not say that AI created the images. New York law requires political communications to disclose AI use.
AI Disclosure Is Becoming a Campaign Issue
The New York State Democratic Party filed a complaint with the state Board of Elections in August over Blakeman’s use of AI in campaign advertising. The complaint says the ads violate the state’s disclosure requirement.
Blakeman’s campaign had not responded to AP’s request for comment when the report was published.
The issue also extends beyond New York. The Wesleyan Media Project identified at least 164 political ads that used AI during the current election cycle. About 69% did not disclose their use of AI. Researchers cautioned that the actual number could be higher because AI use can be difficult to identify.
What AI Advertising Means for NYC Candidates
For NYC candidates, AI-generated campaign content adds another compliance issue. Candidates already need to follow rules covering campaign finance, communications and ballot access.
Campaign teams should check whether AI-generated images, videos or other content require disclosure before using them in political communications.
The AP report also notes that campaigns are still adjusting to different state rules. Travis Ridout of the Wesleyan Media Project said campaigns are working through both legal requirements and new norms around AI advertising.
For first-time candidates, keeping track of how campaign content is created can help with compliance. Checking election rules before publishing AI-generated content can also reduce the risk of disclosure problems.
AI can also affect how voters understand campaign messages. Experts cited by AP said the technology can make campaign production faster and less expensive. At the same time, undisclosed or misleading uses can raise concerns about transparency and misinformation.
As AI campaign advertising grows, NYC candidates may need to consider both the message they create and how they produce it. Understanding disclosure rules can become an important part of campaign communications planning.
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Yes. New York law requires political communications using AI-generated images or video to disclose that AI was used.
Candidates need to understand how AI use can affect campaign communications, transparency, and compliance with election rules.
