As the political landscape becomes increasingly tech-driven, the National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC) is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to campaign strategy by embracing artificial intelligence responsibly. Their new online training program aims to empower Democratic candidates with AI tools that can level the playing field for smaller campaigns with limited resources.

The comprehensive training offers a nuanced guide for candidates to leverage AI effectively while maintaining ethical boundaries. By providing strategies for creating social content, drafting voter outreach messages, and conducting research, the NDTC is positioning AI as a competitive necessity rather than an optional technology.

Specifically, the course encourages candidates to use AI for tasks like generating social media posts, email drafts, speech content, and phone-banking scripts. However, the training also sets critical guardrails against potential misuse, explicitly warning against deepfaking opponents, impersonating real people, or creating misleading visual content.

Transparency emerges as a key principle in the NDTC’s approach. Candidates are advised to disclose AI usage, particularly when content involves generated voices or touches on deeply personal narratives. This commitment to openness aims to build voter trust in an era of rapid technological change.

The initiative comes at a critical moment, with Republican campaigns already extensively integrating AI technologies. The GOP reportedly spent over $1.2 million on AI campaign tools during the last election cycle, signaling a growing technological arms race in political campaigning.

Donald Riddle, senior instructional designer at the NDTC, frames the training as more than just a technical tutorial: “AI and responsible AI adoption is a competitive necessity… to push progressive change while using these tools effectively and responsibly”.

As the 2026 midterms approach, this training could represent a significant strategic evolution for Democratic campaigns, potentially transforming how political messaging and organizing are conducted in the digital age.