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Republicans criticize Steve Hilton for ‘creepy’ innuendo-filled campaign ad
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor, faces backlash from his own party over a controversial campaign ad featuring sexual innuendo, which has been described as "creepy" by fellow Republicans.
- The ad, titled “Just Try It, California,” shows two young women in front of a pride flag, with suggestive dialogue encouraging filling out a ballot for Hilton, prompting criticism for its tone and content.
- Republican candidates Sonja Shaw and Michael Gates publicly condemned the ad, citing concerns about its inappropriateness and its impact on the party’s image.
- Hilton, a British former adviser to David Cameron and Fox News host, is trailing significantly behind Democratic opponent Xavier Becerra in polls ahead of the November midterm elections in the traditionally Democratic state.
- Hilton defended the ad as a provocative, satirical attempt to engage voters, while Becerra responded by highlighting his own healthcare platform and mocking Hilton’s campaign message.
