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AI-generated political ads spiked in 2026, but campaigns still prioritized other means of messaging
Wesleyan Media Project said AI ads made up a small share of overall political spending as Republican candidates and allies drove most of the activity.
- The Wesleyan Media Project found about 300 political ads were generated or enhanced by AI during the 2026 midterms, with groups spending about $187 million promoting them online and on TV.
- University of Georgia assistant professor Christina Walker said AI ads are the "new normal," with spending more than 3,000 times the $50,000 spent during the 2024 election cycle.
- A 2025 Pew Research Center study found 71% of Americans would like a candidate less if they used AI to help write speeches; Wesleyan Media Project co-director Travis Ridout said campaigns face "reputational risk" from voter backlash.
- Tim Harper of the Center for Democracy & Technology said many ads functioned as a "new medium for creating political cartoons," including visuals used against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in his Texas Senate race.
- According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 31 states have enacted laws regulating deepfakes, while Virginia Tech professor Cayce Myers said AI content confirms already held opinions rather than persuading new audiences.
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