Overview

• The partially AI-generated video released July 10 mocked Stefanik’s potential governor bid with AI-altered images and a synthesized President Trump voice; it lacked clear labeling until the 37-second mark.
• Stefanik’s campaign denounced the ad as a sexist smear and called the misogynistic digital attack offensive to North Country voters.
• New York election authorities are reviewing if the minute disclosure font violated the FY 2024-25 budget requirement for legible labeling of manipulated campaign media.
• Public Citizen reports that over two dozen states have enacted or proposed restrictions on AI-driven political ads in response to deepfake concerns.
• The controversy unfolds as Stefanik weighs a 2026 governor run against a House reelection bid while challenger Blake Gendebien leverages millions in fundraising to tighten NY-21.