California candidate launches AI chatbot to mock rival in Pelosi succession race

California State Senator Scott Wiener launched a satirical chatbot called ConnieChan.ai, which is described as an AI trained to reject any user request, a jab at San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan’s perceived habit of opposing development projects. Wiener’s campaign framed the bot as a way to ride the city’s AI enthusiasm while spotlighting what they view as Chan’s obstructionist voting record on housing, transit and public safety.

Chan’s campaign, which carries Nancy Pelosi’s endorsement, denounced the chatbot as offensive toward women and minorities and claimed Wiener is aligning with “Big AI.” A spokesperson for Chan also accused Wiener of seeking attention and relying on corporate AI money. The controversy brings renewed scrutiny to Wiener’s connections to the AI sector, noting that Public First Action, a super PAC backed by AI firm Anthropic, has pledged $500,000 to his race. Election filings show Wiener’s campaign holds over $1.2 million in cash, far exceeding Chan’s roughly $362,000.