Steve Hilton's Chances As He Faces Republican Backlash Over New Ad

Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is facing criticism from members of his own party over a provocative campaign advertisement, as he tries to close a substantial polling gap with Democrat Xavier Becerra in the final month of the race.

The ad, which has been described as sexually suggestive and provocative, shows two young women sitting on a bed with an LGBTQ+ flag visible behind them. One appears nervous about trying something new as the other reassures her and guides her hand, before it becomes clear they are talking about voting. The woman directs her companion to mark her ballot for Hilton rather than Becerra and then tells her to lick the mail-in ballot envelope.