US candidates and PACs, mostly tied to Republicans, have spent $137M+ on 220 AI-generated campaign ads in 2026; ~70% of the 220 videos didn't disclose AI use (Stuart A. Thompson/New York Times)

Stuart A. Thompson / New York Times : US candidates and PACs, mostly tied to Republicans, have spent $137M+ on 220 AI-generated campaign ads in 2026; ~70% of the 220 videos didn't disclose AI use, Republicans have used A.I.-generated content more often than Democrats, ranging from subtle enhancements to convincing deepfakes.