More Than $137 Million Spent on AI‑Generated Political Ads, Most Lacking Disclaimers

Campaigns have spent more than $137 million on AI‑generated ads in the 2026 midterm cycle, a sharp rise from less than $50,000 spent in 2024. Researchers identified 220 such ads in 34 states, and the true number is probably higher because many states do not require AI disclosures. Only 27 % of the ads carried a disclaimer. Republicans accounted for 81 % of the ads and 88 % of the spending, while Democrats made up only 12 %.

Republican campaigns lead the use of AI. Democrats are more cautious, partly because the party pushes for stricter AI regulation and some use anti‑AI slogans. Many ads feature deepfakes that link local candidates to well‑known national figures. Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for New York governor, has posted at least 22 AI‑generated ads on social media since April. The New York State Democratic Party filed a complaint in August that Blakeman’s ads violated a law requiring disclosure of deceptive AI content; the campaign argues that satirical ads do not need a disclaimer.

Republican dominance and deepfake use

With the midterms only a few weeks away, voters can expect even more AI‑generated political ads on TV and social media. The lack of widespread disclosure means many viewers may not know when AI is used.