Bailey campaign embraces artificial intelligence in new era of politics - Capitol News Illinois
The 2026 Illinois gubernatorial race sees the Darren Bailey campaign utilizing AI-generated imagery to drive social media engagement and political messaging
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Target
- JB Pritzker
In the lead-up to the 2026 Illinois gubernatorial election, the campaign of Republican candidate Darren Bailey has integrated artificial intelligence-generated content into its primary digital strategy. By producing AI-driven images and videos, the campaign aims to boost social media engagement and reach voters through platforms where traditional static posts often struggle to gain traction.
What happened
Following his victory in the March 17 Republican primary, Darren Bailey and his running mate, Aaron Del Mar, began publishing a steady stream of AI-generated content. These materials range from whimsical graphics—such as the campaign logo projected over Chicago like a Bat Signal—to more critical depictions of incumbent Governor JB Pritzker. Specific examples include AI-generated videos portraying the governor in scenarios involving offshore trusts, tax policies, and interactions with other political figures.
The campaign justifies the use of this technology as a cost-effective alternative to traditional graphic design, noting that it allows them to produce high-engagement content on a limited budget. Del Mar compares these AI creations to political cartoons, arguing they serve as dramatic, lighthearted portrayals of political sentiment. Conversely, the Pritzker campaign has maintained an internal policy against using AI for such depictions, focusing instead on traditional storytelling.
The prevalence of this content has sparked a broader conversation regarding campaign ethics and potential regulation in Illinois. Governor Pritzker has expressed support for mandatory watermarking of AI-generated advertisements to ensure transparency for voters. State lawmakers have also begun exploring legislation that would require specific disclosures for AI content released in the months leading up to an election. While Bailey’s campaign has indicated openness to disclosure requirements, they currently continue to leverage AI as a central tool for navigating social media algorithms and reaching their online audience.