Hilton’s Campaign Ad Faces Backlash in California Governor Race

Republican candidate Steve Hilton is receiving criticism from his own party over a controversial campaign advertisement. As he attempts to close a significant polling gap with Democrat Xavier Becerra, the ad has stirred reactions. It portrays two young women on a bed with an LGBTQ+ flag visible, engaging in a seemingly suggestive dialogue. The scene reveals they are discussing voting, with one woman instructing the other to vote for Hilton, and then to seal the mail-in ballot envelope.

The advertisement has drawn bipartisan criticism from various political figures. Michael Gates, the Republican candidate for attorney general, publicly denounced the ad. In a statement, he expressed his disapproval, stating, “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 emphasized his commitment to protecting young women and parental rights.

Similarly, Sonja Shaw, a candidate for state superintendent of public instruction, rebuked both Hilton and the California Republican Party for endorsing the ad. She described it as “creepy, weird, disturbing garbage” and cited it as a reason for some leaving the party. Meanwhile, California Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia criticized the ad as “bizarre and desperate,” accusing Hilton of focusing on trivialities instead of state issues.

Despite the backlash, Hilton defended the ad, claiming it employs a “provocative and humorous way of making a point.” He believes it is an effective form of communication.

Polling Data

The controversy comes at a challenging time for Hilton, a former Fox News host and ex-adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron. With an endorsement from President Donald Trump, he is vying to be California’s first Republican governor in two decades. However, polls consistently show Becerra leading Hilton significantly in California, a Democratic stronghold.

A UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll from mid-September showed Becerra ahead by 25 percentage points. This represented a wider gap than a previous August survey. Similarly, a SurveyUSA poll found Becerra leading 55 percent to 33 percent among likely voters during the same period. The Public Policy Institute of California reported similar numbers, with Becerra ahead 60 percent to 38 percent.

Hilton continues to focus on campaign issues like affordability, taxes, and the cost of living. During a recent debate with Becerra, Hilton urged voters to reject the current political direction, while Becerra connected Hilton to Trump.

Current prediction markets show Becerra with a strong likelihood of winning. Polymarket indicated a 96 percent probability for Becerra compared to Hilton’s 4 percent.

The general election will occur on November 3. On September 30, Hilton and Becerra engaged in their only scheduled debate, discussing taxes, immigration, and artificial intelligence.

For additional insights, contact Newsweek editors Tobias Meyjes and Cristina Diciu.