AI-Generated Campaign Ads in New York Governor's Race
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman released at least 17 AI-generated campaign videos depicting opponent Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani in false scenarios, describing them as political satire. Hochul's campaign called the ads 'straight up lying,' while voters and experts raised concerns about misleading content and fabricated speech, though no laws in New York ban such AI use in campaigns.
What happened
Bruce Blakeman, Republican candidate for New York governor and Nassau County executive, released AI-generated campaign videos during his race against Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. Newsday identified at least 17 videos posted between January 1 and July 17, 2026, containing AI-generated content depicting Hochul and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani as fictional characters, thieves, movers, and basketball players.
In one AI-generated ad, a fake Hochul says her administration raised taxes for 'programs that matter, like free healthcare for sex workers.' In another, fabricated figures including a made-up drug dealer, an undocumented immigrant, and an energy CEO express support for Hochul. Blakeman characterized the videos as political satire and humor.
Reported impact
Hochul's campaign called the ads 'straight up lying' and responded with messaging branding Blakeman as 'Fakeman.' Voter Kylie Berg said the ads were 'misleading because it makes people think they have certain ideas' and accused Blakeman of using 'AI to trick people,' while another voter, Brett Topel, stated 'the ads should be authentic.'
Index analysis
Columbia University political science professor Yamil Velez said fooling the electorate was not the intent with AI-generated ads, noting that what matters is whether an ad resonates emotionally. Political consultant Michael Dawidziak noted that both satire and political speech are often deemed protected speech, with the Supreme Court frequently ruling in favor of political speech protection.
Experts said the low-cost tool is not more effective than typical negative campaigning with real people and risks inundating voters with 'AI slop'—low-quality imagery easily identified as fabricated. New York has no laws banning AI use in campaign ads.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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