Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate for California governor, is confronting significant criticism from within his own party following the release of a campaign advertisement that critics have characterized as inappropriate and sexually suggestive.
The video, titled “Just Try It, California,” depicts two young women in a bedroom setting with a pride flag, featuring suggestive dialogue and innuendo related to ballot casting. The advertisement, released last week, has drawn condemnation from multiple Republican candidates on the state ballot. Sonja Shaw, the Republican nominee for superintendent of public instruction, described the ad as “creepy, weird, disturbing garbage” and stated on social media that it represents why people are leaving the Republican Party. Michael Gates, the Republican nominee for state attorney general, issued a statement condemning what he characterized as the use of young women as a political tool.
Hilton, a British former political adviser to David Cameron who has worked as a Fox News host, is mounting a campaign against Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. health secretary, in a state where Republicans have not won a statewide executive office since 2004. Polling data has consistently shown Becerra maintaining a substantial advantage over Hilton as the election approaches.
Following the advertisement’s launch, Hilton posted a video response acknowledging that some people had been offended, though he stated the ad had been “largely positively received.” He characterized the advertisement as an attempt to make a satirical point in a provocative manner and called for understanding and grace from voters. Becerra’s campaign responded to the controversy by posting about his healthcare policy positions, using a phrase that played on the advertisement’s title.
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