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04. October 2025
The Rise of AI-Generated Ads in Politics: A Look at Cuomo’s Latest Misstep
Andrew Cuomo, the disgraced former governor of New York, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Despite being forced to resign from his post in August 2021 due to numerous sexual harassment claims, Cuomo continued to cling to power and eventually ran a hopeless comeback campaign that ended with him losing the Democratic primary in July this year. However, Cuomo’s refusal to accept reality and his determination to remain relevant have led him to embark on a new path: running as an independent candidate for mayor of New York City.
Cuomo’s latest misstep came in the form of an advertisement that showcased AI-generated clips of him performing various jobs that are quintessentially New York, such as driving the subway, working as a stagehand, trading on the New York Stock Exchange, and washing high-rise windows. In the ad, Cuomo admits that he may not be cut out for these roles but claims that he is ready and qualified to be mayor.
While Cuomo’s intention was to paint his opponent, Zohran Mandani, as young and inexperienced, Mandani took a different approach when responding to the ad on Instagram. He shared screencaps of the Cuomo ad with a caption that read: “In a city of world-class artists and production crew hunting for the next gig, Andrew Cuomo made a TV ad the same way he wrote his housing policy: with AI.” Mandani’s post also included deeper-level digs, as it was geotagged in Westchester County, where Cuomo lives outside of New York City limits.
Mamdani’s response was not just a witty remark; it highlighted a broader trend in politics that is being driven by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI). The fact that Cuomo felt compelled to use AI-generated ads is a telling sign of his struggles to connect with voters and build a campaign from scratch. However, this is not an isolated incident. Other politicians, including President Donald Trump, have also been accused of using AI-generated content in their campaigns.
One notable example is the executive orders issued by Trump, which were criticized for being AI-generated and lacking any substance. The use of AI in politics has raised concerns about the authenticity and transparency of campaign materials. It has also led to questions about the role of technology in shaping public discourse and holding politicians accountable.
The debate around AI-generated content in politics is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, AI can be a powerful tool for amplifying marginalized voices and providing access to information that may otherwise be out of reach. However, its use can also perpetuate biases and reinforce existing power structures. The fact that Cuomo felt compelled to use AI-generated ads suggests that he may not have a strong grasp on the issues facing New York City, nor does he have a clear vision for the city’s future.
As the race for NYC’s mayor continues to heat up, it is essential to examine how politicians are using technology to communicate with voters. The use of AI-generated content has become increasingly prevalent in campaign materials, and it is crucial that voters are aware of its presence and potential biases.
Zohran Mandani’s response to Cuomo’s ad was a timely reminder of the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. By calling out Cuomo’s use of AI-generated ads, Mandani highlighted the need for voters to question the authenticity and credibility of campaign materials. It also underscored the importance of holding politicians accountable for their actions and ensuring that they are transparent about their use of technology.
The New York Times tracker shows that Mandani is currently maintaining a double-digit lead over Cuomo in most polls, suggesting that his strategy has been effective so far. However, it remains to be seen whether Cuomo’s use of AI-generated ads will have any lasting impact on the campaign. One thing is certain, though: the debate around AI-generated content in politics is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
As the election for NYC’s mayor approaches, voters would do well to keep an eye out for AI-generated content and to critically evaluate the materials that politicians are using to communicate with them. By doing so, we can ensure that our democracy remains transparent and accountable, even in the face of technological advancements.
The rise of AI-generated content in politics is a symptom of a broader trend in politics that is being driven by technology. While the use of AI can be a powerful tool for politicians, it also raises concerns about authenticity and transparency. As voters, we must remain vigilant and critically evaluate the materials that politicians are using to communicate with us. Only then can we ensure that our democracy remains robust and representative of the people’s interests.
Ultimately, the debate around AI-generated content in politics will continue to evolve. However, by staying informed and critically thinking about the materials that politicians are using to communicate with us, we can ensure that our democracy remains strong and representative of the people’s interests.