Illustration, AI-generated from the story text. Tap a panel to read the story through it.
Campaigns and political groups have now spent more than $187 million on nearly 300 AI-generated or AI-enhanced ads, the Wesleyan Media Project says, up from the $137 million it reported last month, and it calls that an undercount.
More than 90% of the money came from Republican candidates, committees or aligned groups.
Most of the ads carry no disclosure.
No federal law covers them, about 30 state laws do, and CNBC found undisclosed examples including a fake video of New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted by her opponent. The New York Times reports Anthropic has its first-ever "war room" running.
AI political ads reach $187 million as polls open
Campaigns and political groups have now spent more than $187 million on nearly 300 AI-generated or AI-enhanced ads, the Wesleyan Media Project says, up from the $137 million it reported last month, and it calls that an undercount. More than 90% of the money came from Republican candidates, committees or aligned groups. Most of the ads carry no disclosure. No federal law covers them, about 30 state laws do, and CNBC found undisclosed examples including a fake video of New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted by her opponent. The New York Times reports Anthropic has its first-ever "war room" running. SourcesBB
Sources
- BAI-generated 'slopaganda' in political ads puts internet platforms on alert (CNBC)cnbc.com
- BHow AI companies are guarding the midterms (New York Times, refused the fetcher; from Techmeme's summary)nytimes.com
This story ran in the Afternoon Brief of November 3rd 2026.