AAPC Insider Sneak Peek - October 16, 2025

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In this issue…

Travel Hacks
Toasting a New Direction for the AAPC Foundation
Interesting Reads
Don’t Miss

Travel Tips that Save You Time + Money

As campaign travel heats up heading into the 2026 cycle, three seasoned road warriors—Rebecca Pearcey (Bryson Gillette), Megan Jacobs (Pivot), and Jim Green (Basis Technologies)—shared their best tips on how to turn campaign and business travel into real perks.

Build on Points

Use transferable points: Don’t lock yourself into one airline or hotel. Cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve/Preferred and AmEx Platinum keep options open.

That’s just one insight from AAPC’s expansive webinar library, exclusive to members.

👉 Get access to 100+ hours of insights from campaign pros. Join now.

Toasting a New Direction for the AAPC Foundation

It was inspiring to come together at the AAPC Foundation’s Toast on the Terrace earlier this month to celebrate our profession and look ahead. Foundation Chair Trey Richardson unveiled the Foundation’s new strategic focus: producing original, nonpartisan research to inform practitioners, policymakers, and the voting public about how emerging technologies shape political communication.

The first major project —The Disclaimer Effect— will examine the real-world impact of AI disclaimers’ influence on voter trust, persuasive impact, and media literacy. This work is urgent: 26 states have already passed AI disclaimer laws, yet there’s no data on whether these rules increase transparency or unintentionally erode trust. Before the 2026 election cycle, we need evidence on how these labels affect persuasion and voter confidence.

Learn more about The Disclaimer Effect and consider supporting this work to help practitioners navigate new rules while protecting political free speech and democratic engagement.

Pictured Above: The AAPC Foundation's Toast on the Terrace

Deepfake Compliance: Navigating a State-by-State Patchwork

In our latest Future of Political Consulting podcast, AAPC’s Julie Sweet talks with election-law expert Jason Torchinsky (Holtzman Vogel Josefiak Torchinsky PLLC) about AAPC’s new Deepfake Law Compliance Guide — and why rules are still a “hodgepodge.”

“Twenty-six states, all different… it could take a few election cycles before we see clarity,” Jason explains. From disclaimer requirements to outright bans, the rules vary widely—with no clear ideological pattern. A pending Wisconsin case could shape how courts draw the line between “basic editing” and “AI,” raising enforcement questions that may influence other states.

The landscape is changing fast. AAPC members get exclusive access to the Deepfake Law Compliance Guide, offering detailed state-by-state insights and compliance best practices.

Interesting Reads

AAPC’s Julie Sweet discusses how AI is transforming campaign strategy, particularly for smaller campaigns but are voters keeping up? 71% of voters say they’d view a candidate less favorably if a speech was AI-generated (NOTUS)
California voters could see faster election results under new state law (Cal Matters)
AI is Changing how Politics is Practiced in America (The American Prospect)

Events & Resources

🎧 Podcast — Deepfakes, Disclaimers & Damages

Stay ahead of the changing compliance landscape with AAPC’s latest episode featuring Jason Torchinsky. → Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

💻 Webinar — Deepfake Compliance Guide: What Consultants Need to Know

(Recorded Oct 8 — available on demand for members)

Practical guidance on staying compliant with the new Deepfake Law Compliance Guide.

📍 California Regional Conference — Long Beach, CA | Oct 20–21

Explore how redistricting is reshaping political messaging
Sharpen strategies for direct mail in California
Connect with nonprofit, advocacy, and public affairs leaders

💻 Webinar — Political Messaging: AAPC’s Ethical Guidelines for Consultants | Oct 23

Understand the new Political Messaging Guidelines shaping campaign communication
Learn best practices for ethical and effective use of texting and messaging channels
Ensure your voter contact, fundraising, and research programs align with AAPC standards

📍 AAPC Regional Conference: Express Edition — Atlanta | Oct 30

Hear keynote insights from veteran political journalist Jim Galloway
Gain fresh strategy ideas for Georgia and beyond
Network with top consultants shaping campaign innovation.

💻 2025 Election Post-Mortem – Online | Nov 18

Hear what drove voter behavior and turnout
Learn which campaign tactics worked (and what didn’t)
Discover what these outcomes mean for strategies heading into 2026 and beyond

🌴 Pollies 26 — Amelia Island, FL | Mar 24–26, 2026

The largest gathering of political media strategists, data scientists, and campaign pros — all under one roof.

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