California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is facing bipartisan condemnation after a sexually suggestive campaign ad went viral, drawing nearly 5 million views online. The ad features two young women on a bed with an LGBTQ+ flag in the background, with one urging the other to mark a mail ballot for Hilton over Democratic front-runner Xavier Becerra. The ad concludes with the phrase, 'Now lick it,' referring to the ballot envelope.
Immediate Reactions and Condemnations
The ad has drawn sharp rebukes from both Republican and Democratic leaders, including members of Hilton’s own party. Michael Gates, the Republican candidate for California attorney general and a Hilton ally, denounced the ad on social media platform X, stating: 'I emphatically denounce the use of young women as a political tool.' Gates added that California families 'deserve better' and pledged to protect 'our girls, young women, and parental rights' if elected.
Sonja Shaw, the GOP candidate for state superintendent of public instruction, also criticized the ad, calling it 'creepy, weird, disturbing garbage' and accusing the California Republican Party and its chairwoman of endorsing its messaging. 'This is a clear example of exactly why good people are walking away from the Republican Party,' Shaw wrote on X. 'As a mother and someone who has fought to protect the innocence of children, this crosses a line.'
Democratic Responses
Democratic leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach), an openly gay member of Congress, and Rusty Hicks, chairman of the California Democratic Party, also condemned the ad. Garcia stated the ad was 'a bizarre and desperate' effort from Hilton, who has previously 'attacked the LGBTQ+ community.'
Campaign Defends Ad Amid Criticism
Despite the backlash, the Hilton campaign has not publicly addressed the controversy. The ad remains accessible online, where it continues to accumulate views. The California Republican Party has not issued a formal statement regarding the ad’s content or its promotion by party leadership.
Background on the Race
Hilton, a conservative commentator and former Fox News host, is running as a Republican in the November 3 gubernatorial election against Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra, the state’s current attorney general. Becerra has not directly commented on the ad but remains the polling leader in the race. The ad’s provocative messaging has overshadowed policy discussions in the campaign, with critics arguing it distracts from substantive debate.
Public Reception and Social Media Impact
The ad’s viral spread has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with users criticizing its tone and implications. Some supporters of Hilton have defended the ad as a bold attempt to engage younger voters, while opponents argue it crosses ethical and professional boundaries. The controversy has reignited debates about the use of provocative messaging in political advertising and its potential impact on voter perception.