In recent months, artificial intelligence has begun to play an increasingly visible role in political campaigns across Minnesota — and not always in ways that are transparent or legal. A controversial ad featuring an AI-generated image of Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, released by a pro-U.S. Rep. Angie Craig super PAC, has sparked debate over the boundaries of AI use in politics. While this incident is just one example, it highlights a growing concern: how much AI is being used in Minnesota campaigns, and what are the implications for voters?

The Rise of AI in Political Campaigns

Artificial intelligence is already deeply embedded in modern political operations, often in ways that go unnoticed by the public. Dr. Manjeet Rege, an AI expert at the University of St. Thomas, explains that AI tools are being used behind the scenes to draft ad copy, summarize opposition research, and manage donor and voter lists.

“These systems are not just for big campaigns,” Rege said. “Even small-scale operations can benefit from AI-driven automation in tasks like scheduling, data analysis, and content creation.”

While these uses may seem innocuous, they raise questions about the ethical implications of relying on algorithms to shape political messaging. For instance, if an AI-generated ad is used without clear disclosure, voters might be exposed to misleading or inaccurate information — even if no one intended to deceive them.

Legal Frameworks and Deepfake Regulations

Minnesota’s legal landscape for AI in elections is still evolving. The state has a 2023 deepfake law that prohibits the dissemination of political deepfakes within 90 days of a nominating convention. However, this law only addresses intentional deception — not all forms of AI use.

Sen. Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, who co-authored Minnesota’s AI nudification technology ban, said he believes lawmakers could revisit AI regulations in the context of political campaigns if they saw enough public concern.

“We have enough trouble making sure people get accurate information to form their opinions,” Duckworth said. “The last thing we need is for campaigns or outside groups to use AI to mislead voters.”

He acknowledged that there are also “innocent” uses of AI in politics, such as creating fliers or managing campaign logistics. But he emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability.

Concerns Over Unintentional Misinformation

While intentional deepfakes are a clear threat, Rege warns that unintentional misinformation from AI tools is equally concerning — and often overlooked.

“A lot of harm can happen with no bad intent at all,” he said. “For example, an AI-generated summary might confidently tell voters about the wrong polling place or deadline because these tools aren’t reliable in delivering basic logistical details.”

This kind of error could lead to voter confusion or even disenfranchisement — especially for first-time voters or those unfamiliar with the electoral process.

Campaigns Remain Silent on AI Use

When asked about their use of AI, several high-profile Minnesota campaigns did not provide detailed responses. U.S. Rep. Angie Craig’s campaign, which released the controversial ad featuring Flanagan, declined to comment on whether they used AI in their materials or how.

Similarly, gubernatorial candidates Kendall Qualls and Lisa Demuth, as well as Michele Tafoya, did not offer specific details about their use of AI tools. A spokesperson for Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s campaign noted that the senator has long been a vocal critic of deceptive AI use in elections but declined to comment on whether her team used AI in their materials.

The Need for Transparency and Regulation

Sen. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, who has worked on many of Minnesota’s AI laws, said she believes that while some uses of AI in campaigns are not inherently problematic, they raise broader concerns about trust and transparency.

“Minnesotans don’t want this in their elections,” she said. “If voters feel unsettled by the idea that an ad might be generated by an algorithm rather than a human, it could undermine confidence in the entire electoral process.”

Maye Quade also pointed out that while humans are becoming better at spotting AI-generated content, the psychological impact of seeing something that feels “off” can still influence voter behavior — even if no one is trying to deceive them.

The Future of AI in Politics

As AI tools become more integrated into everyday life, their use in political campaigns is likely to grow. Dr. Rege predicts that the line between optional and unavoidable AI use will continue to blur.

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

This means that, regardless of whether campaigns are using AI intentionally or not, voters may soon be exposed to more AI-generated content — and fewer safeguards against its potential harms.

Conclusion

The use of artificial intelligence in Minnesota political campaigns is a growing issue with significant implications for transparency, trust, and voter behavior. While some applications of AI may seem harmless, the broader impact on democratic processes remains unclear. As lawmakers consider new regulations and campaigns continue to explore AI tools, it will be crucial to ensure that voters are informed about how these technologies are being used — and what risks they might pose.

Readers should keep an eye on upcoming legislative developments in Minnesota and continued coverage of high-profile campaign use cases as the role of AI in politics continues to evolve.

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