Flanagan says super PAC ad used a fake AI version of her - kare11.com
Minnesota political candidate Peggy Flanagan has publicly criticized a super PAC for using an AI-generated deepfake of her likeness in a campaign attack advertisement
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Target
- Peggy Flanagan
Minnesota Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan has publicly denounced a campaign attack advertisement released by the North Star Dawn PAC, alleging that the content utilizes an AI-generated deepfake of her likeness. The incident highlights the growing role of synthetic media in political discourse and the challenges candidates face regarding unauthorized digital impersonation.
What happened
In early June 2026, during a competitive Minnesota Senate race, Peggy Flanagan identified an advertisement circulated by the North Star Dawn PAC that she claims features a fake AI version of herself. The criticism centers on the use of generative technology to simulate her voice or appearance for political messaging without her consent. This incident underscores the increasing use of sophisticated synthesis tools by super PACs to influence voter perception during heated electoral contests.