AI-Generated Ads Surge in US Midterm Campaigns, Totaling Over $100 Million

AI-generated advertisements are playing an increasing role in the US midterm elections, with spending on these ads surpassing $100 million, according to data from the Wesleyan Media Project. More than 200 commercials created using artificial intelligence have been identified, a number that has grown rapidly in recent weeks. While overall campaign ad spending is estimated to exceed $10 billion, the use of AI allows less-resourced candidates to produce creative ads at a lower cost. One example is a video ad for Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico of Texas, which used AI to depict him rewriting the Book of Genesis with nonbinary and six-gendered concepts, a tactic employed by his opponent’s campaign. The Wesleyan Media Project began tracking these ads in early September, initially identifying 164 ads and an estimated $80 million in spending; by late October, that number had risen to over 200 ads and more than $100 million in spending. Experts note that outside interest groups, particularly political action committees, are frequently behind these AI-generated commercials, though many campaigns are utilizing the tactic. The impact of these ads on the election’s outcome remains to be seen, but their increasing prevalence signals a shift in campaign advertising strategies.

What is not yet known

• Whether the increased use of AI ads will truly level the playing field in political contests.
• The ultimate electoral and social impact of these AI-generated ads.

Background

• The Wesleyan Media Project began tracking AI-generated political advertisements in early September of the current election cycle, initially identifying 164 ads with an estimated $80 million in spending [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-27].
• The Texas Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton is highly competitive, with recent polling showing a narrow lead for Paxton and significant financial investment from both parties [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-16].
• James Talarico, the Democratic Senate candidate for Texas, paused in-person campaigning in late September due to the flu, prompting criticism from his opponent [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-09].
• The Federal Communications Commission, under Chairman Brendan Carr, has been involved in disputes with ABC regarding license renewals and diversity practices, leading late-night hosts to move candidate interviews to YouTube [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-10].

Our reading

Our reading is that the increasing use of AI-generated advertisements represents a significant, and potentially disruptive, shift in campaign strategy. The fact that spending has exceeded $100 million so quickly suggests this tactic is being widely adopted, particularly by outside groups, and is not simply a novelty. While the article notes the impact on the election’s outcome is yet to be seen, the ability for less-resourced candidates to create ads at a lower cost could indeed alter the dynamics of political contests.

What to watch

• The final fundraising totals for both the Senate Leadership Fund and James Talarico’s campaign, to see if the trend of outside groups funding AI ads continues [Campaign finance disclosures, FEC.gov].
• Polling data released after the election, to determine if there is a correlation between exposure to AI-generated ads and voter preferences [Major polling organizations, e.g., Quantus Insights, InsiderAdvantage].
• Any rulings or statements from the Federal Communications Commission regarding the use of AI in political advertising, particularly concerning truthfulness and disclosure [FCC.gov].

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