AUSTIN, Texas — A controversy over the use of artificial intelligence in political advertising has erupted in the Texas U.S. Senate race, after a newly released AI-generated video depicts Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Senator John Cornyn dancing together in stylized scenes meant to satirize their relationship in Washington, D.C. The ad, issued by Texas Attorney General and GOP Senate contender Ken Paxton’s campaign, has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum and underscored growing concerns about the use of synthetic media in elections.
The ad, which circulated online beginning around January 16, 2026, shows AI-rendered versions of Crockett and Cornyn engaged in choreographed dancing inside what appears to be a dance hall and in front of the U.S. Capitol. According to reporting, the visuals are meant to reference past remarks in which Cornyn described Crockett as his “dance partner” in the Senate in a metaphorical sense, highlighting their occasional bipartisan cooperation.
What Happened
Ken Paxton’s campaign released the ad titled “Partner” as part of his broader effort to define Cornyn as a weak Republican and to draw contrasts with other candidates in the GOP Senate primary. The video pairs the AI imagery with music and imagery that suggests a partnership out of step with conservative values, implying that Cornyn’s willingness to work across the aisle weakens his Republican bona fides.
The ad appears on social media platforms rather than traditional television and it includes a small disclaimer noting that parts of the video were generated using artificial intelligence. A move supporters say aims to satisfy transparency concerns even though Texas law does not require such disclosure outside of defined electioneering periods.
NEW AD: John Cornyn has been dancing the night way with liberal lunatics like Jasmine Crockett and selling us out every step of the way.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) January 16, 2026
That’s why he called Crockett his “dance partner” and she said Cornyn was her “best partner” in the Senate. pic.twitter.com/b2LeuBfRYX
The Candidates Involved
- Jasmine Crockett, a Democratic congresswoman from Texas’ 30th District, which has been redefined by the Texas Legislature, is running in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Cornyn. She has toured parts of the state campaigning on issues such as opioid crisis intervention, hunger, and broader economic concerns. She is currently running behind her Democratic challenger, James Talarico.
- John Cornyn is the incumbent Republican U.S. Senator seeking re-election in 2026. Polling shows him falling behind his rival, Ken Paxton, and may even come in third, behind Wesley Hunt.
Reactions From Campaigns
Crockett’s campaign has pushed back against Paxton’s framing, with spokespeople noting that the focus on bipartisanship is not a substantive attack on her record but an attempt to weaponize generative media against her. Supporters say Crockett’s actual work on issues like the opioid crisis and food insecurity demonstrates cross-party cooperation in service of Texans, not political theater.
Cornyn’s team has so far declined to directly comment on the ad, according to reporting, leaving a vacuum that has allowed digital discourse to flourish largely unchecked on social platforms.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The use of AI to depict real political figures doing things they never actually did raises significant legal and ethical questions. Texas law includes provisions that make it a misdemeanor to distribute a “deep fake” video within 30 days of an election with intent to influence the outcome, although enforcement of such statutes is untested and subject to interpretation.
Experts and advocates warn that generative content in political advertising could mislead voters, erode trust in legitimate campaigning, and outpace current regulatory frameworks. There is no federal requirement that ads containing AI-generated content carry clear labels, and states vary widely in how — or whether — they regulate synthetic media in political contexts.
Public and Political Response
The ad has quickly become a topic of discussion on digital forums and social media. Commenters have described it variously as humorous, cringe-inducing, or disturbing, with discussions often centering on broader fears that AI will drown political discourse in manipulated content. Some observers on platforms like Reddit note that the synthetic depictions could backfire on Paxton, especially among voters who see bipartisanship as a virtue.
Republican and Democratic voters alike have expressed frustration online that artificial intelligence is being used to blur the line between satire and misinformation in an already polarized political environment.
Context Within the 2026 Senate Race
The Texas Senate contest in 2026 remains highly competitive. Polls show Cornyn’s support varying across matchups against Democratic contenders, including Crockett and others, with some surveys indicating narrow leads or possible runoff scenarios in the Republican primary.
This ad is one of the earliest signals that the 2026 cycle will ably test the boundaries of campaign messaging technology, and it arrives amidst broader debates about whether legislative or judicial action is needed to govern the use of AI in political communications.
Why This Matters
The “Washington Waltz” style ad exemplifies how rapidly advancing technology is reshaping political campaigns — for better or worse. It forces voters and lawmakers to ask whether current laws are equipped to preserve truthful discourse, or whether new guardrails are required to prevent deceptive content from influencing elections.
For constitutional conservatives and civic activists alike, this incident highlights a deeper tension between free speech protections and the need for electoral integrity. The stakes extend beyond the characters in this particular Senate race; they speak to a future in which digital manipulation can construct realities that never occurred.
As the 2026 primaries approach, voters in Texas — and observers nationwide — will be watching not just who wins or loses, but how campaigns wield revolutionary tools of persuasion in a hypercharged political era.