Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming political campaigns, from targeted ads to synthetic media that can blur the line between reality and fiction. As concerns about election misinformation grow, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a major proposal to limit how political campaigns can use AI-generated images and false election information in the critical lead-up to voting day.

The proposal positions New York as one of the most aggressive states in the country when it comes to regulating AI in elections.

What Governor Hochul’s Proposal Would Do

Governor Hochul’s plan would prohibit political campaigns from spreading AI-generated images of real people, including opposing candidates, without their consent during the 90 days before an election. This restriction is aimed at stopping last-minute digital manipulation that could mislead voters when there is little time to verify facts.

In addition to limiting AI-generated images, the proposal would also outlaw the deliberate dissemination of false information about elections. This includes misleading claims about election dates, polling locations, and voting times.

According to Hochul, the goal is to prevent bad actors from exploiting new technology to influence democratic outcomes at the most vulnerable moments.

Why AI Misinformation Is a Growing Election Risk

Advances in generative AI have made it easier and cheaper to create realistic fake images, videos, and audio clips. Political campaigns and outside groups can now produce deceptive content at scale, often with little transparency or accountability.

In recent election cycles, voters across the United States have been flooded with misleading robocalls, fabricated media, and manipulated depictions of candidates designed to damage reputations or inflame social tensions.

These tactics are especially dangerous in close races, where even small shifts in voter perception can affect the outcome.

High-Profile AI Controversies in New York Politics

New York has already seen several incidents that highlight the risks of AI in political campaigns.

In 2024, former state assemblyman Keith Wright claimed that an audio recording in which he appeared to disparage a colleague was a deepfake. The allegation underscored how difficult it can be to prove authenticity once synthetic media enters the public sphere.

More recently, during the New York mayoral race, the campaign of former Governor Andrew Cuomo released an AI-generated video portraying Zohran Mamdani, who later won the election, in a racially charged and misleading way. The video depicted criminal behavior and domestic violence stereotypes and sparked immediate backlash from voters and political observers.

The campaign later acknowledged that the video had been improperly vetted and pulled it down after public criticism.

Legal Enforcement and Voter Protections

If the New York State Legislature passes Hochul’s proposal, individuals and groups would be allowed to sue when they encounter AI-generated images or election information that violates the new rules. This private right of action is designed to create real consequences for campaigns that cross the line.

The proposal builds on existing laws in New York and other states that already require political campaigns to disclose when and how artificial intelligence is used in election-related materials.

New York’s Broader Push to Regulate Artificial Intelligence

The election proposal is part of a broader effort by Governor Hochul to address how rapidly evolving technologies affect residents across the state.

In recent years, New York has invested more than $300 million in AI research and development. The governor has also signed legislation regulating AI use in the film industry and setting standards for transparency in political campaigns.

Beyond elections, Hochul has called for stronger privacy protections for minors, particularly on gaming platforms and social media, to limit how strangers can view, tag, or message children online.

Balancing Innovation and Regulation in Advanced AI

In 2025, Governor Hochul entered a high-stakes debate over how to regulate the most advanced AI models. The discussion placed her between two powerful groups: those warning about the technology’s long-term risks and major AI companies pushing for fewer restrictions to support innovation.

Both sides have invested heavily in political advocacy and campaign contributions, reflecting how central AI regulation has become to economic and public policy debates.

Although a recent AI regulation bill signed by Hochul was criticized by some lawmakers as watered down, it still positioned New York alongside California as a national leader in artificial intelligence governance.

What This Means for Political Campaigns and Marketers

If enacted, New York’s proposal would significantly raise the compliance bar for political campaigns, consultants, and digital marketers. AI-generated content would require stricter legal review, especially in the final months before an election.

For campaigns operating in New York, the message is clear: transparency, consent, and accuracy are no longer optional when using artificial intelligence. As other states watch closely, New York’s approach could become a model for how election-related AI is regulated nationwide.