In recent months, artificial intelligence has become an increasingly visible force in political campaigns across Minnesota — not always in the way voters expect. From deepfake images to AI-generated content in ads, the technology is reshaping how candidates communicate and how voters receive information. One such example emerged in early June when a pro-Angie Craig TV ad featured an AI-generated image of Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan standing atop a pile of cash, holding her hand out for more money. Whether this ad violated Minnesota’s existing law against deepfakes near election time is still under debate.

This incident highlights the growing role of AI in political discourse and raises critical questions about transparency, regulation, and public trust. While some campaigns may be using AI to streamline operations or create content, others are raising alarms over its potential for misuse. As Minnesota lawmakers and experts weigh how to address these challenges, the broader implications for democracy remain uncertain.

The Growing Role of AI in Campaigns

Artificial intelligence is already deeply embedded in political campaigns — often behind the scenes — in ways that most voters may not even notice. Dr. Manjeet Rege, an AI expert and professor at the University of St. Thomas, explains that AI tools are being used to draft ad copy, summarize opposition research, sort donor and voter lists, and even assist with speechwriting.

“These tools are becoming part of the standard operating procedure for campaigns,” Rege said. “They help streamline operations and improve efficiency, which is especially valuable in tight races where time and resources are limited.”

However, the use of AI extends beyond these operational functions. It also has the potential to create misleading or deceptive content that could influence voter perceptions. While intentional misuse — such as fabricating audio or images for political gain — is a clear concern, Rege warns that unintentional errors can be just as damaging.

“AI tools are not perfect,” he said. “They can misinterpret data or generate inaccurate information, which can lead to confusion or misinformation among voters.”

This underscores the need for both transparency and oversight in how AI is used in political campaigns — a challenge that Minnesota lawmakers are now beginning to address.

Legal and Ethical Challenges

Minnesota’s only major law specifically addressing AI use in elections is the 2023 deepfake law, which prohibits the dissemination of political deepfakes within 90 days of a nominating convention. However, this law has limitations, as free speech protections can complicate efforts to regulate AI-generated content.

Sen. Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, who co-authored Minnesota’s AI nudification technology ban, argues that regulating AI in campaigns should be a bipartisan priority if lawmakers choose to revisit the issue.

“We have enough trouble making sure people get accurate information to form their opinions and make decisions when it comes time to vote,” he said. “The last thing we need are campaigns or outside third parties using AI to mislead voters.”

Duckworth acknowledges that there may be innocent uses of AI in campaigns, such as a small business owner creating fliers for a campaign. However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust and ensuring that AI is not used to manipulate voters.

Sen. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, who has championed several Minnesota AI laws, agrees that while some uses of AI in campaigns may not be illegal, they raise ethical concerns.

“Minnesotans don’t want this in their elections,” she said. “If people are unsettled by the content they see, it’s not going to help your campaign.”

Quade also points out that research shows voters are becoming better at spotting AI-generated content, which means campaigns must be careful about how they use these tools.

The Need for Transparency and Regulation

Despite growing concerns, many high-profile campaigns — including those of Angie Craig, Michele Tafoya, Kendall Qualls, and Lisa Demuth — have not provided details about their use of AI or whether they have guidelines in place. This lack of transparency is a major issue for lawmakers and watchdog groups.

A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s campaign noted that the candidate has long warned against the deceptive use of AI-generated images, audio, and video in elections. Her campaign follows the same standards as her bipartisan bills would require, which aim to criminalize non-consensual intimate content and ban deceptive AI in political ads.

Similarly, a spokesperson for Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s campaign emphasized that the use of “deceptive AI” is a threat to public trust. They pointed to the recent attack ad featuring an AI-generated deepfake of Flanagan as an example of how such tools can be misused.

“We’ve already seen that firsthand in Minnesota,” said Lexi Byler, a spokesperson for Flanagan’s campaign. “Campaigns and super PACs should agree on one basic principle: don’t use AI to manipulate voters or fabricate images, audio, or video of your opponents.”

The Future of AI in Political Campaigns

As AI continues to evolve, its role in political campaigns is likely to expand — for better or worse. Dr. Rege warns that the line between optional and unavoidable AI use is disappearing.

“AI is no longer a separate tool you choose to use,” he said. “It’s being built directly into the apps campaigns already rely on.”

This means that even if some campaigns are not currently using AI in their materials, they may be doing so without realizing it. The challenge for lawmakers and voters will be ensuring that AI is used responsibly — with transparency, accuracy, and respect for public trust.

Conclusion

The growing use of artificial intelligence in Minnesota political campaigns highlights both the opportunities and risks associated with this technology. While AI can improve efficiency and streamline operations, its potential for misuse raises serious ethical and legal concerns. From deepfake images to misleading content, the impact on voter perception and democratic integrity is significant.

As lawmakers continue to debate how to regulate AI use in elections, it’s clear that transparency and accountability will be key. Voters, too, must remain vigilant and informed about how AI is being used — both by campaigns and by outside actors.

What readers should watch next is the evolving legal landscape surrounding AI in politics and the growing public awareness of its potential impact on democracy. As AI becomes more integrated into political life, understanding its role and implications will be essential for all stakeholders involved.

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