Steve Hilton's provocative ad sparks backlash from Republicans and Democrats alike
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Steve Hilton released a sexually suggestive ad that has drawn criticism from fellow conservatives and Democrats.
Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for California governor, posted a controversial ad that depicts two women on a bed with an LGBTQ+ flag, urging one to "lick" a mail-ballot envelope after marking his name. The video has amassed nearly 5 million views and prompted sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle. Republican attorney-general hopeful Michael Gates and school-superintendent candidate Sonja Shaw condemned the use of young women as political tools, while Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia and state party chair Rusty Hicks called the piece bizarre and desperate.
Hilton argued the ad is a provocative, humorous way to reach voters who are put off by his party affiliation but want change. He also said the content does not conflict with his stance on gender-affirming care, which applies only to minors. The controversy comes as Hilton trails front-runner Xavier Becerra in the race.
Why it matters
The ad highlights internal GOP tensions and raises questions about campaign tactics in a high-stakes California governor's race.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage highlights bipartisan condemnation of the ad as bizarre and exploitative, while centrist coverage emphasizes intra-party Republican criticism and its impact on Hilton’s poll standings.
LEFT
Bipartisan backlash condemns the ad as bizarre, desperate, and a misuse of women as political tools.
CENTER
Internal Republican criticism threatens Hilton’s campaign momentum as he tries to close a polling gap.
The left emphasises
- sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle
- use of young women as political tools
- the piece described as bizarre and desperate
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