Wyoming Mayoral Candidate Pledges to Govern with AI Bot

In what could be the first campaign of its kind in the U.S., Victor Miller, a librarian with a deep interest in artificial intelligence, is pledging to run the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, using an AI bot named “VIC” if elected mayor. Standing between the American and Wyoming flags, Miller recently addressed a small group at the county library, where he outlined his vision of AI governance, which he believes could bring objectivity, efficiency, and transparency to local government.

The AI Vision for Cheyenne

Miller’s pitch is straightforward: AI can process vast amounts of municipal information quickly and make decisions without the biases and errors humans are prone to. At his campaign event, he vowed to use VIC, short for “Virtual Integrated Citizen,” as the city's executive decision-maker, while he would handle ceremonial duties like ribbon-cuttings and constituent interactions.

During the event, Miller demonstrated VIC’s capabilities by allowing the AI to answer questions from the audience. The bot’s responses emphasized a balanced approach to decision-making, relying on data-driven insights combined with human empathy. For example, when asked about making decisions that affect many people, VIC laid out a six-part plan that included gathering public opinion data and engaging with constituents at town halls.

Challenges and Skepticism

Miller’s campaign has faced numerous challenges, not least from OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, which powers VIC. OpenAI initially shut down Miller’s account, citing policies against using its technology for political campaigns. However, Miller was undeterred, quickly creating a new bot to continue his campaign.

The regulatory environment has also proven difficult to navigate. Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray expressed concerns that allowing VIC to appear on the ballot would violate state law, which requires candidates to be real people. Local officials ultimately permitted Miller to run, but with the condition that his name, not VIC, appear on the ballot.

A Novel Campaign in a Digital Age

Miller’s campaign, while unconventional, highlights the growing intersection of AI and politics. His use of VIC has sparked both curiosity and concern among voters and experts alike. Some see it as a bold experiment in modern governance, while others worry about the implications of AI decision-making in public office.

Despite the skepticism, Miller remains committed to his vision. He believes that AI, if used correctly, can make city government more efficient and transparent. His campaign has attracted attention, both locally and beyond, as a potential glimpse into the future of political campaigns.

As the election approaches, the people of Cheyenne will decide whether they are ready to embrace Miller’s AI-driven vision for their city’s future.

To read more details about this and to hear what VIC sounds like, visit The Washington Post.