Campaign AI Ads Spark Dispute in Wilmington Race
Political figures in New Hanover County are clashing over AI-generated images used in school board and state Senate campaigns.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Should North Carolina require political campaigns to disclose AI-generated content in their ads?
David Perry released an AI-generated image and website depicting Pat Bradford and Josie Barnhart as witches brewing a "NHCS Poison Potion," and State Sen. Michael Lee's campaign used AI-generated images of Jessica Bichler in an advertisement. North Carolina law does not require campaigns to disclose their use of artificial intelligence.
Why it matters
The dispute raises questions about how AI-generated content is used in local campaigns ahead of the November election, particularly when viewers may not recognize the images as artificial. Bradford called Perry's actions hypocritical given his vote against a $2 million AI grant for the school district.
Lee's advertisement carries a disclaimer stating its images were generated using artificial intelligence. The $2 million grant at the center of the dispute was approved by the North Carolina General Assembly for the New Hanover County school district, and the source does not detail how the funds are being spent.
The players
David Perry
David Perry is a figure who released an AI-generated image and website depicting school board candidates as witches, drawing criticism from opponents.
Pat Bradford
Pat Bradford is a New Hanover County Board of Education member and candidate who criticized Perry's actions as hypocritical.
Michael Lee
Michael Lee is a North Carolina state senator whose campaign produced an advertisement using AI-generated images of an opponent.
Jessica Bichler
Jessica Bichler is a political candidate who sent a cease-and-desist letter disputing the content of Lee's campaign advertisement.
The details
Perry's AI image and accompanying website were discussed at the New Hanover County Board of Education's Oct. 29 meeting, but he left before the board voted. Bichler challenged Lee's ad at a Sept. 3 Power Breakfast event and sent a cease-and-desist letter disputing its portrayal of her positions and claimed ties to groups she said do not support her.
Timeline
Sept. 3, 2026: Bichler challenged Lee's AI ad at Power Breakfast.
Oct. 29, 2026: School board discussed Perry's behavior; Perry left before the vote.
Nov. 3, 2026: North Carolina voters head to the polls for Election Day.
Legal Context
North Carolina does not require political campaigns to disclose their use of artificial intelligence, leaving disclosure to individual campaigns. This gap is at the center of the current dispute over AI-generated images in New Hanover County races.
Voters in New Hanover County will see these AI-generated campaign images and may need to judge for themselves whether they are real. Because state law does not require AI disclosure in campaigns, viewers should look for the disclaimers candidates choose to include.
The takeaway
Campaign content generated with artificial intelligence can look authentic, so checking for disclaimers and source information before forming an opinion is a practical step for voters. Asking candidates whether they plan to disclose AI use is one way residents can influence how these tools are used in local races.
What happens next
North Carolina voters head to the polls on Nov. 3, 2026, when the outcome of the contested races will be decided.
Further reading
For broader context on how these tools are being used, see Artificial Intelligence coverage on Wisevoter.
Live Poll
Should North Carolina require political campaigns to disclose AI-generated content in their ads?
