How American Political Campaigns Are Using AI—and What They’re Spending on the Tools
This essay was written with Nathan E. Sanders, and originally appeared in The Guardian . New campaign finance disclosure data shines a light on which US political campaigns are using AI tools and how much they are spending on them. Candidates’, parties’ and committees’ spending reveals that AI is fast becoming an essential tool of politics. The candidates themselves are quiet about how they are…
Political campaigns in the United States are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance their operations. A recent analysis of campaign finance disclosure data has shed light on the extent of AI adoption and expenditure among political entities. While candidates and parties are cautious about openly discussing their AI usage, the data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and state-level disclosures paints a clear picture.
From 2020 to present, at least $17 million has been disclosed in spending on AI technology vendors by 523 federal candidates and campaigns across the country. Locally, data from California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Washington reveals AI spending dating back to 2022. Major players in this AI-driven campaign landscape include OpenAI, Anthropic, and specialized vendors catering to political applications.
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has been a significant player, with 80 federal campaigns and committees reporting AI-related spending amountsing to about $50,000. The Republican National Committee leads in total expenditures, with Republican candidates like Mike Lawler, John Kennedy, and Bill Cassidy among the top users. In contrast, Anthropic, Anthropic's competitor, has seen a surge in usage, particularly among Democratic candidates, with Tom Cotton, Seth Bodnar, and Mary Peltola among the largest spenders.
Notably, the majority of Anthropic users are Democrats, possibly reflecting the company's reputation and political leanings.
While OpenAI and Anthropic dominate the national stage, other AI-powered tools are carving out their niche. AmplifAI, once a leading provider of automated text messaging, was a dominant force in 2022, used by high-profile Democratic candidates. However, its usage has waned in recent years. New contenders like Daisychain and Campaign Nucleus have entered the scene, gaining traction among Democratic and Republican campaigns, respectively. These tools are increasingly targeting voter engagement and fundraising efforts.
At the state level, AI spending remains smaller but rapidly growing, with a cumulative total of $92,000 across at least 108 candidates and committees in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Washington since 2022. Daisychain continues to lead in state-level AI spending, while OpenAI and other general-purpose AI vendors play a significant role. DonorAtlas, an AI-powered prospect research tool, has also emerged as a notable player, buoyed by funding from the California Democratic Party.
Despite the growing influence of AI in political campaigns, the discourse around its use remains subdued. Many candidates remain tight-lipped about the extent of their AI adoption. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in shaping political discourse and campaign strategies is likely to become even more prominent in the years to come.
Written by urgent.news from Schneier on Security's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
