Overview

• Bentley Hensel, an independent candidate, developed an AI chatbot to represent Rep. Don Beyer in a debate, as Beyer opted out of additional debates.
• The AI, dubbed 'DonBot', is programmed using publicly available data from Beyer's official communications and policy positions.
• The debate, scheduled for October 17, will feature Hensel and another independent candidate, David Kennedy, against the AI representation of Beyer.
• Beyer, who has a strong electoral history in Virginia’s 8th District, participated in a previous forum but has not committed to further debates.
• The use of AI in this context raises questions about election transparency and the potential for AI to influence political discourse.