AI-generated ads have come to Oakland politics.…
Oakland political campaigns are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence tools to generate campaign graphics, music, and videos for the 2026…
- Incident date
- Sep 2026
- Target
- Spencer Pratt, Karen Bass, Kevin Jenkins, Brenda Grisham
Mayoral and city council candidates in Oakland are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to produce campaign materials, ranging from AI-generated music and videos to stylized graphics. While proponents argue that these tools democratize campaigning by providing an inexpensive alternative to professional production, experts warn that the technology introduces significant risks regarding credibility, accuracy, and voter trust.
What happened
During the 2026 election cycle, several candidates integrated AI into their outreach strategies. Mayoral candidate Mindy Pechenuk has utilized platforms like Grok, Abacus AI, and ChatGPT to create campaign videos. These ads often feature AI-generated visuals, such as an inaccurate depiction of the Oakland skyline featuring San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid and books with nonsensical, AI-generated text. Pechenuk, who has portrayed herself as a superhero in graphics, stated that these tools offer her absolute control over her campaign's messaging.
Other candidates have adopted similar tactics. Fabian Robinson, a write-in candidate for City Council, used AI to generate a song criticizing incumbent Kevin Jenkins, claiming the technology helped avoid potential conflicts associated with hiring human performers. Additionally, an AI-generated avatar of candidate Brenda Grisham appeared in a music video distributed by a supporter, though Grisham clarified it was not an official campaign ad and expressed a preference for personal community engagement over AI-generated imagery.
Political consultant Jim Ross noted that the use of AI in politics presents three primary dangers: it undermines campaign credibility, it is frequently prone to factual inaccuracies, and its generic nature can hinder a candidate's ability to stand out. Furthermore, while California law mandates that campaigns disclose the use of AI in political advertisements, many candidates have failed to include these disclaimers, whether due to ignorance of the regulations or a desire to avoid the skepticism that often accompanies AI-labeled content. Research from the American Association of Political Consultants Foundation suggests that such disclosures measurably increase voter mistrust.