AI-Generated Ads Redefine the 2024 Campaign Trail

The social-conservative group American Principles Project (APP) released a 30-second digital ad that uses AI-generated imagery to depict Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D) performing gender-reassignment surgery on a child. The ad, intended to counter incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) in the Senate primary, frames Talarico’s support for transgender youth policies as a direct threat to children. The Talarico campaign called the piece “flat-out lying” and accused the ad of exploiting children for political gain.

The Hill

APP’s effort is part of a growing wave of AI-driven political attacks. Similar AI-generated videos have featured former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt in a dystopian setting and incumbent Mayor Karen Bass (D) portrayed as the Joker. Republican candidates such as Bruce Blakeman in New York and Johnny Garrett in Tennessee have also employed AI in ads, while high-profile Democrats—including Gov. Gavin Newsom and former NYC mayor Eric Adams—have used the technology to target opponents. Creators note that AI reduces production costs and can produce hyper-realistic content that “could be indistinguishable” from authentic footage.

The Hill

Assistant professor Daniel Schiff of Purdue University observes that even when viewers recognize a deepfake, it may still shape perceptions of truth. He explains that people often judge whether a piece “feels true” regardless of its factual accuracy, allowing satire and propaganda to influence opinions. The director of federal AI policy at Public Citizen warns that releases timed weeks before elections pose heightened risks.

The Hill

Democratic lawmakers are pushing for disclosure rules. Rep. She and Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY) have introduced the AI Transparency in Elections Act, which would require campaigns to label AI-generated content. Libertarian scholar David Inserra argues that regulation must balance free-speech protections with the need for transparency.

The Hill

• “We took the approach of using AI in the same way that you would use political cartoons to articulate a point or a message about the consequences of someone’s voting behavior or their actions while in office,” — Terry Schilling, the president of APP

The Hill

• “The trans industry preys on confused children. Irreversible puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, sex-change surgeries … this November, stop them.” — Terry Schilling, the president of APP

The Hill

• “Even if they know it’s a deepfake … that doesn’t necessarily correlate to their beliefs,” — Daniel Schiff, an assistant professor of technology policy

The Hill

• “In many ways, the deepfakes can provide a sort of cover for different types of satire and propaganda and misinformation to still reach people and still influence people,” — Daniel Schiff, an assistant professor of technology policy

The Hill

• “It’s a vulnerability that we have not addressed,” — Rep. Yvette Clarke

The Hill