Hochul wants to ban AI in political campaigns
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AI use in politics was pervasive in Queens in 2025. Pictured here is a screenshot of an AI-generated video used by Queens Republican candidate John David Rinaldi. Screenshot via Facebook
By Ryan Schwach
Governor Kathy Hochul plans on Tuesday to outline her plan to limit political campaigns’ use of artificial intelligence, a tool that was used – sometimes deceptively – by campaigns in Queens this past year.
In her upcoming State of the State address, Hochul reportedly will outline plans to limit campaigns’ us AI images that portray other people, including their campaign rivals, the New York Times reported.
“It’s easier than ever for bad actors to spread misinformation in critical moments, including those that can decide elections,” Hochul said in a written statement to the Times. “Now is the time to take action and protect our democracy or risk a slippery slope,” she added. “We’re leading the nation in setting strong and sensible standards for AI use in elections, protecting voters across the state.”
The new proposal comes after AI generated images pierced their way into local political campaigns in 2025.
Last year, two Queens political candidates employed AI in their campaigns, the Eagle reported
Ruben Wills, a former councilmember running to take back his old seat in the 28th Council District, used AI-generated images on his campaign site.
One photo on his website appeared to depict a group of people playing in a playground. Nearly all of their faces were distorted and one figure’s arm appeared to be fused with their leg. Another image showed a smartphone, though the text on the phone appears to be written in unrecognizable symbols.
But most Wills’ alleged AI use paled in comparison to Republican John David Rinaldi’s campaign.
Rinaldi, who was running against Councilmember Lynn Schulman, used AI to create videos of fake supporters discussing their reasons for backing Rinaldi and their criticisms of Schulman.
The posts, which featured a watermark from AI video generator Sora, include videos of fake locals repeating the phrase, “Rinaldi is real, Rinaldi is the truth.”
One video depicted a group of Queens students chanting in front of a school: “Make it real, make it Rinaldi, let our voices shine. We're the kids of District 29. Make it real, make it Rinaldi, together we rise. Forest Hills hearts, Queens pride.”
His campaign also posted a number of made-up news stories that were designed to look as though they were published in legitimate publications, including the Eagle.
Rinaldi denied he made the posts, and at one point claimed he was hacked.
“I personally did not make any of them and now you are all scared because I’m going to win,” he said. “I am not misleading anyone, I'm telling the truth that they all know and believe.”
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo also used AI to create ads that depicted both himself and his opponent, now-Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Current state law requires AI usage in campaigns be properly disclosed, but the current framework of the law is broad.
Hochul’s bill would specify certain uses. Her measure would ban campaigns from using images of people and their opponents without their consent in the 90 days before an election.
Queens State Senator Kristen Gonzalez has already passed legislation to limit AI use in polititcs, and is in favor of Hochul’s new priority.
“At a time when trust in government and our democracy is at a low, it is of the utmost importance that the information people are consuming regarding our elections are accurate,” she said in a statement to the Eagle. “Voters deserve to know when AI is being used in political communications, and all people, including political candidates, deserve the dignity of not being depicted through AI-generated imagery.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and our legislature,” she added.
