Lawmakers say US briefing showed Russia targeting Democrats with misinformation

Top Democratic lawmakers on the congressional intelligence committees said they received an intelligence briefing that Russia is waging a misinformation campaign against Democrats in next month's midterm elections. Senator Mark Warner and Representative Jim Himes spoke after a classified briefing, noting AI-generated fake ads targeting specific candidates.

Top Democratic lawmakers on the congressional intelligence committees said on Wednesday that they received an intelligence briefing indicating Russia is waging a misinformation campaign against Democrats running in next month's midterm elections. Senator Mark Warner and Representative Jim Himes spoke to reporters after a classified election security briefing they requested from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton. Warner said Russia is "going after Democrats" similar to prior occasions, and noted news reports that Democrat James Talarico and Senator Jon Ossoff are being targeted by AI-generated fake advertisements. The comments come as President Donald Trump has eased economic sanctions on Russia and increased pressure on Ukraine. Himes said there was no evidence that any country could penetrate US election systems and change results, but expressed concern about efforts to contest election results. Recent Reuters/Ipsos polling shows Democrats leading Republicans on the generic congressional ballot.