Political campaigns in the United States are exploring ways to influence the answers that AI chatbots give voters about candidates. In a report published on October 26, 2026, Reuters described a strategy proposed for Republican candidate Mike Minogue, who is challenging Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. The approach uses generative engine optimisation, or GEO, a term for shaping online content so that AI systems are more likely to surface particular information.
The proposed strategy included creating hundreds of policy pages designed for AI systems, seeking placements on authoritative websites that chatbots cite, publishing material on Reddit and YouTube, and monitoring chatbot responses. Reuters reported that consultants offer services ranging from monthly monitoring to comprehensive campaigns costing $50,000 per month, with potential success fees of up to $200,000. The report also cited research indicating that approximately 25% of eligible voters had asked chatbots about political candidates when deciding how to vote.
The development matters because voters may use AI assistants to research candidates, compare policy positions and understand political issues. If campaigns deliberately optimise content to influence these answers, chatbot responses could become another channel for political messaging. Experts cited by Reuters warned that AI-generated political information can spread misinformation when systems present unverified claims confidently.
Reuters reported that specialised services, including Visigent and CampSight, help campaigns monitor and influence AI recommendations. Some practitioners said AI systems can distinguish reputable sources from unreliable ones. The report said experts expect these practices to become more widespread by the 2028 presidential election, raising questions about transparency and how voters can distinguish reliable information from strategic attempts to shape AI-generated answers.