Steve Hilton’s new ad uses AI-generated lesbian scene to court young California voters

California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton released a new ad Thursday featuring AI-generated women in a suggestive lesbian encounter, part of a six-figure campaign targeting younger voters. The spot, titled "Just Try It, California," launched a day after his debate with Democratic rival Xavier Becerra. The ad shows two women under a Pride flag, with one asking "What if my dad finds out?" before the camera reveals them filling out a ballot for Hilton. The candidate has trailed Becerra by roughly 18 points in recent polls and has previously run ads appealing to Trump opponents and independents in the predominantly blue state. Reactions to the ad have been mixed, with some praising its creativity and others warning it could alienate Republican voters. Hilton defended the campaign, saying Californians should "just try something that actually brings costs down" after 16 years of Democratic governance.