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James Talarico accuses Ken Paxton of lying with AI campaign commercial

CBS News reports that James Talarico criticized an artificial intelligence advertisement released by Ken Paxton.

The short version

  • James Talarico accused Ken Paxton of deceiving the public through an artificial intelligence advertisement that depicts a simulated likeness of him.[CBS News]
  • The commercial shows an AI depiction of Talarico reading a Bible with references to comments regarding gender and God.[CBS News]
  • Talarico noted that not all remarks in the clip correspond to statements he has previously made.[CBS News]
  • The dispute unfolds as Cook Political Report shifted the contest's rating to a toss-up in August.[CBS News]

Key facts

  • James Talarico alleged that Ken Paxton is lying to Texans by using an AI advertisement that puts words in his mouth.[CBS News]
  • Ken Paxton released an ad featuring an AI-generated Talarico reading a Bible referencing comments about gender and God being nonbinary.[CBS News]
  • Talarico stated that not all statements portrayed in the ad represent remarks he has previously made.[CBS News]
  • The state House impeached Paxton in 2023 over allegations of bribery, obstruction of justice, and abuse of public trust.[CBS News]
  • The Cook Political Report changed the rating of the Senate race from leaning Republican to a toss-up in August.[CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains disputed which specific statements featured in the advertisement are authentic prior remarks and which were fabricated.[CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.