Controversy Surrounds Steve Hilton’s Campaign Ad in California Governor Race

Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is receiving criticism from his own party due to a provocative campaign advertisement. The ad is an effort to close the polling gap with Democrat Xavier Becerra as the race’s final month unfolds.

The advertisement, described as sexually suggestive, features two young women on a bed, with an LGBTQ+ flag in the background. One woman appears nervous about trying something new, while the other reassures her, eventually revealing they are discussing voting. The woman instructs her companion to choose Hilton over Becerra and to lick the mail-in ballot envelope.

The campaign ad has sparked bipartisan backlash. Republican candidate for attorney general, Michael Gates, who campaigned with Hilton, expressed strong disapproval. He stated, “I want to be clear: I do not condone Steve Hilton’s ‘Just Try It’ video. My campaign was not consulted, nor alerted to its release.” Gates condemned using young women as political tools, emphasizing the need to protect young women and parental rights.

Sonja Shaw, a candidate for state superintendent of public instruction, issued a harsher criticism, targeting both Hilton and the California Republican Party for promoting the advertisement. She called it “creepy, weird, disturbing garbage,” citing it as a reason for party defections.

Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia described the ad as “bizarre and desperate,” suggesting Hilton prioritized “AI slop” over addressing Californian issues.

Hilton defended the ad, labeling it a humorous way to make a point.

What the Polls Show

The controversy arises during a challenging period for Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron. Backed by President Donald Trump, Hilton aims to become California’s first Republican governor in two decades.

Polls consistently show Becerra ahead in the Democratic stronghold. A UC Berkeley poll from mid-September indicated Becerra led by 25 percentage points. A SurveyUSA poll during the same period found a similar margin.

The Public Policy Institute of California echoed this with a survey indicating Becerra’s lead. All these polls highlight Hilton’s struggle as he promotes change in Sacramento, focusing on affordability, taxes, and living costs.

In a debate with Becerra, Hilton challenged voters to reject the political status quo, while Becerra linked Hilton to Trump. Prediction markets show Becerra heavily favored, as Polymarket gave Becerra a 96 percent chance of winning on November 3.

The general election debate on September 30 saw the candidates clash over issues like taxes, immigration, and artificial intelligence.