AI-Generated Political Ads Target Candidates in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Georgia

AI was used to create sophisticated political advertisements targeting candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. These ads included fabricated images and statements designed to influence voters. For example, an advertisement in Georgia depicted Jon Ossoff receiving cosmetic treatments, while in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed was placed in a fabricated family photograph. In Wisconsin, Rebecca Cooke was portrayed making remarks she never actually made.

Campaigns and political organizations spent over $137 million on 220 advertisements created partly with AI during the election cycle. The use of AI has made political deception cheaper, faster, and considerably more sophisticated than traditional methods.