How Are States Really Using AI in 2026?

In this episode of NASCIO Voices, Amy Glasscock and Alex Whitaker break down the AI and emerging technology findings from the 2026 NASCIO State CIO Survey. Key takeaways include a dramatic jump in state AI governance and growing momentum beyond the experimental stage, with 35% deploying generative AI at enterprise scale. CIOs overwhelmingly identified agentic AI as the most impactful emerging technology over the next two to three years, even as questions around security, oversight and rogue agents remain. Alex provides an update on federal AI policy efforts, including NASCIO’s successful pushback against attempts to limit state AI regulation and what to expect from the lame duck period. The episode also covers states’ “watch and learn” approach to quantum computing, what to look for in next year’s survey, and a Halloween lightning round on costumes, candy and scary movies. Check out the full 2026 State CIO Survey.