US political candidates are adapting campaign messages for AI chatbots as voters increasingly use these tools to research elections. A Reuters report revealed proposed strategies to influence responses from ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini through online content, citations and paid placements.
The approach aims to make candidates appear more prominently when voters ask AI assistants about taxes, housing or public safety. A presentation prepared for Mike Minogue, a Republican challenging Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, outlined this strategy.
The proposal recommended hundreds of policy pages, content on Reddit and YouTube, and placements on websites frequently cited by AI systems. The campaign did not respond to Reuters requests for comment, and the report did not establish whether it adopted the proposal.
Generative Engine Optimization Moves Beyond SEO
The strategy uses generative engine optimization, or GEO, which seeks to influence AI-generated answers rather than simply improve search rankings.
Campaigns can monitor chatbot responses, publish clear policy explanations and adjust online material to increase their visibility. The presentation also proposed purchasing placements on authoritative websites that large language models already reference.
The growing practice reflects changing voter habits. Cameron Hickey of the National Conference on Citizenship said about 25% of eligible voters had asked chatbots about political candidates while deciding how to vote. Campaign consultants now track how often AI tools mention or recommend their candidates.
Experts Warn About Political Misinformation
The strategy raises concerns about whether AI answers can distinguish reliable information from coordinated campaign messaging. Paid content and repeated claims across online platforms could make a candidate’s position appear more widely supported than independent evidence suggests.
“Campaigns using AI-influence training are now a reality that we face and it will be ubiquitous by the 2028 cycle,” said Joe Bonilla of Relentless Awareness. Caucus AI’s Meg Schwenzfeier also warned that chatbots can deliver authoritative answers while drawing from unvetted information.
AI Campaign Services Carry Rising Costs
Consulting costs vary widely, depending on monitoring, content production, and paid media requirements. Visigent lists software starting at USD 134 monthly, while political campaign services can reach USD 50,000 per month. Its presentation also listed a potential USD 200,000 success fee for a category win.
As AI becomes another channel for political persuasion, voters face greater pressure to verify chatbot claims. Checking sources, independent reporting, and candidates’ records is crucial before accepting AI-generated recommendations.
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