Cuomo faces backlash for AI-generated mayoral ad in NYC race

Not all new tech is wielded most vociferously by the young.

Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign launched an AI-generated advertisement showing the former New York governor performing various New York jobs, including driving the subway and washing windows. The ad drew sharp criticism from opponent Zohran Mamdani, a state assemblyman, who mocked Cuomo for using artificial intelligence instead of hiring local talent in a city full of world-class artists and production crews.

The big picture: This marks another instance of Cuomo relying on AI technology for campaign materials, following earlier embarrassment when his housing plan showed clear signs of being produced using ChatGPT.

What they’re saying: Mamdani delivered a pointed response on Instagram, writing: “In a city of world-class artists and production crew hunting for the next gig, Andrew Cuomo made a TV ad the same way he wrote his housing policy: with AI. Then again, maybe a fake Cuomo is better than the real one?”

Key details: The AI-generated clips depicted Cuomo performing quintessentially New York jobs like trading on the New York Stock Exchange and doing stagehand work to appeal to voters, while positioning his opponent as young and inexperienced.

• Mamdani’s Instagram post was strategically geotagged in Westchester County, the suburb where Cuomo lives outside New York City limits.
• The ad represents Cuomo’s latest attempt at a political comeback after resigning in August 2021 following sexual harassment claims and losing the Democratic primary in July.

Broader context: Cuomo isn’t alone in using AI for political campaigns, as President Donald Trump has faced similar allegations regarding his executive orders and has shared AI-generated clips of opponents.

• The practice reflects a growing trend of politicians leveraging artificial intelligence tools for campaign content creation.

Current race dynamics: New York Times polling data shows Mamdani maintaining a double-digit lead over Cuomo in most surveys as the mayoral race continues.