Ai-generated Ads Gain Ground in US Midterm Campaigns

WHO:

BBC News - BBC Verify tracked AI-generated election ads and assessed their use by campaigns.

NBC News - The ads were mostly associated with Republican candidates.

WHAT:

BBC News - BBC Verify tracked dozens of AI ads connected to US midterm campaigns.

NBC News - At least 220 political ads generated or enhanced with artificial intelligence had circulated.

NBC News - The ads cost almost $137 million.

WHERE:

BBC News - The ads were used in US midterm campaigns.

NBC News - The ads circulated in the United States.

WHY:

NBC News - The article describes candidates using AI in political ads to get voters’ support.

HOW:

BBC News - BBC Verify tracked dozens of ads to assess how campaigns were using AI-generated advertising.

NBC News - Candidates used AI to generate or enhance images in political ads.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 07:11 UTC)

At least 220 political ads generated or enhanced with artificial intelligence have circulated in the United States, at a cost of almost $137 million. The ads are tied to campaigns for the US midterms and are mostly associated with Republican candidates. Candidates have used AI to create or alter images in ads aimed at winning voter support. BBC Verify tracked dozens of these ads to assess how campaigns are using the technology. The findings show that AI-generated advertising is appearing across political campaigns, rather than remaining a purely experimental tool. The ads vary in how AI is used, with some images generated from scratch and others enhanced. Together, the tracked examples offer a closer look at how candidates are incorporating artificial intelligence into their efforts to reach voters.