Key Facts

• AI campaign ads use artificial intelligence to create realistic videos or audio of candidates saying things they may not have actually said.
• Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton used an AI-generated ad showing his opponent James Talarico delivering controversial statements, sometimes out of context.
• Experts say these AI ads can make people distrust all political messages, even real ones, because they fear being tricked by fake videos.
• Many Americans already trust politicians and institutions less, and AI ads may worsen this distrust.
• Some states require disclosure labels on deepfake political ads, but rules vary widely and federal laws are mostly missing.
• Not all AI political ads are meant to deceive; some are clearly jokes or memes with less risk of misleading voters.
• The emotional effect of seeing a candidate in a negative AI ad can influence people even if they know it is fake.
• Voters may get tired of constantly questioning media authenticity, leading to greater skepticism toward all campaign messages.