Political Strategists Are Embracing AI

As campaigns face pressure to produce ads that pop in a crowded media environment, they’re turning to artificial intelligence to gain attention.

Andrew Cuomo speaks to supporters during a Democratic primary watch party

Yuki Iwamura/AP

When New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo launched his first general election campaign ad using AI to depict himself as a subway driver, stock trader and window cleaner, he immediately prompted backlash.

“There are a lot of jobs I can’t do, but I’m ready to be your mayor on Day 1,” Cuomo said in the ad, which was criticized by his main opponent in the race, Zohran Mamdani, for using AI to replace filmmakers.

But Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo’s spokesperson, said that the use of AI got the results the campaign was looking for.