Steve Hilton releases provocative ad for California governor race

As the November 3, 2026, California gubernatorial election approaches, Republican candidate Steve Hilton has released a provocative new advertisement titled ‘Just Try It, California.’ The ad, which targets Gen Z and millennial voters, features two young women in a suggestive setting under a Pride flag. The dialogue implies an intimate encounter before the camera reveals the women are actually filling out a ballot for Hilton.

The ad has drawn significant attention and mixed reactions online. While some commentators have called it a brilliant marketing tactic, others have criticized it as being exploitative of sapphic sexuality. Hilton, who is currently trailing Democrat Xavier Becerra in polls, stated the campaign aims to encourage voters to move away from the political status quo.

In a recent CNN debate, Hilton and Becerra clashed on several issues, including immigration and the cost of living. Notably, both candidates expressed opposition to Proposition 40, a proposed ‘Billionaire’s Tax’ that would impose a one-time 5% charge on billionaire assets, agreeing that such a policy is not a sustainable method for tax revenue.

With mail-in ballots being distributed in early October, the race remains a significant contest in a state where Republicans have not held statewide office in two decades. Hilton is running on a platform of reducing costs for gas, housing, and utilities, while Becerra has focused on linking Hilton to the policies of Donald Trump.