Aventura mayoral candidate Alberto Zaltzberg is using artificial intelligence across his campaign, and New Times reports that he may be violating Florida law by not disclosing it. A deepfake version of Zaltzberg appears in dozens of social media posts each week, often alongside real estate listings and flyers. Its accent changes from video to video, sounding Argentinian, British or American.
Zaltzberg, a self-made Argentinian immigrant who sells homes in South Florida, has built a 25-point plan for the city and answers voter questions on his campaign website and social media. GPTZero scans suggest the website responses are entirely AI-generated. He has said he wants to put AI in “all processes,” from licensing and permitting to budget priorities.
Incumbent Mayor Howard Weinberg criticized the approach, saying voters deserve a candidate who is accountable to the city. He also said several of Zaltzberg’s promises, including universal basic healthcare and temporary classrooms in condominiums, are illegal or impossible.
Zaltzberg defended his use of the technology and said he views being called the “ChatGPT candidate” as a compliment. He told New Times that people have already lost much of their privacy online. After a Friday interview with the outlet, he began posting videos that appear to show his real face and voice.
Aventura voters will decide the race, and the questions raised about AI disclosure and the feasibility of his plans may shape how they weigh his candidacy.
