Cuomo Faces Criticism for Racist AI Ad Against Mamdani

Andrew Cuomo, former New York governor, is facing backlash after his campaign released and quickly deleted an AI-generated advertisement accused of being racist. The ad depicted individuals labeled as “criminals for Zohran Mamdani,” a progressive New York City council member and Cuomo’s political opponent, leading to widespread condemnation.

Incident Overview

On October 22, 2025, Cuomo’s campaign posted an online ad using artificial intelligence to generate imagery associating “criminals” with Zohran Mamdani’s campaign. Although the ad was swiftly removed, screenshots and videos circulated on social media, sparking outrage. Critics labeled the ad as “deranged, racist, and disgusting,” emphasizing the dangers of using AI to create misleading and racially charged content.

The Role of AI in the Controversy

The ad’s use of AI to fabricate images linking Mamdani’s supporters with criminality raises concerns about AI misuse in political campaigns. AI-generated content can appear highly realistic, facilitating the spread of disinformation and reinforcing racist stereotypes. This incident highlights the ethical risks of AI-generated media, especially in sensitive political contexts.

Experts warn that unchecked AI tools could worsen political polarization and racial tensions by enabling false narratives. The Cuomo campaign’s quick deletion suggests acknowledgment of the ad’s problematic nature, but the content had already reached a wide audience.

Political and Public Reactions

Zohran Mamdani and his supporters condemned the ad as an attempt to stoke racial fear and undermine his platform. Mamdani, a Muslim and person of color, called the ad “a deeply offensive and dangerous form of political attack.”

Political commentators and civil rights advocates emphasized the need for stricter regulations on AI use in political advertising, highlighting the threat to election integrity and potential harm to minority candidates.

Cuomo’s campaign issued a brief apology, describing the ad as a “mistake” and promising to review internal processes. However, detractors argue this reflects a broader pattern of aggressive campaigning linked to Cuomo’s style.

Context: Cuomo’s Political Comeback and Mamdani’s Rising Profile

This controversy arises amid Cuomo’s efforts to regain political influence after resigning as governor in 2021. Cuomo has positioned himself against progressive figures like Mamdani, who represents a new wave of grassroots politicians in New York City.

Mamdani, elected to the New York City Council in 2021, is known for his advocacy on affordable housing, police reform, and social justice. The AI ad appears to attempt to discredit Mamdani’s influence by associating him with crime, a tactic reminiscent of past racially coded political messaging.

Broader Implications for AI Ethics and Political Advertising

The incident underscores urgent debates about AI governance, particularly in electoral contexts where misinformation can have profound consequences. It highlights the ethical responsibility of campaigns to ensure AI tools are not weaponized to perpetuate racism.

Key points for policymakers and tech companies include: