Texas Lt. Gov. Features 3 Texas Universities in AI Ad

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released a political ad earlier this month that appears to have been created using artificial intelligence and features the logos, slogans, mascots and football stadiums of three public universities, The Texas Tribune reported. It’s unclear whether Patrick’s campaign received permission from the universities to use their branding.

The ad, posted on X on Sept. 5, shows Patrick’s Democratic challenger Vikki Goodwin coming up with new tax ideas—such as a “brisket tax” and “nostalgia surcharge”—while at a University of Texas Longhorns football game. Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for governor, is depicted asking Texas Tech University’s masked rider and fans flashing the “guns up” hand sign whether they have gun permits. Finally, the ad shows Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate James Talarico sitting in the stands of a simulated Texas A&M University football game, declaring the “12th Man” tradition “so gendered” and wondering aloud whether anyone asked for the 12th Man’s pronouns.

“College football is back. Before the first whistle, take a look at the failed playbook Goodwin and her socialist squad have for Texas,” Patrick wrote alongside the video.

State law prohibits public universities from using their resources to support a political candidate, according to The Tribune. None of the universities responded to The Tribune’s questions about whether Patrick had permission to use their trademarks, though Texas A&M officials told State Rep. Terry Canales that officials would look into the matter. Texas A&M and Texas Tech have specific rules barring political candidates from using symbols, slogans and other trademarks.

Even if Patrick violated the universities’ trademark rules, they may choose not to enforce them, Andrew Cates, a Texas campaign and election law attorney, told The Tribune. Because he presides over the state senate, Patrick has significant sway over the institutions’ funding.

“I’d be surprised if they ask him to take it down because they have a lot to lose politically and financially,” Cates said.