California GOP Gov Candidate Shocks With Lesbian Fanfic Ad: ‘Just Try It’

Screenshot via X

Republican nominee for governor of California Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, raised eyebrows this week with a provocative, lesbian-themed ad that was clearly designed to get people talking – and it did.

In the ad titled “Just try it, California,” Hilton’s campaign placed two young women on a bed together with the first saying, “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

“Don’t be nervous. It’s not that bad,” replies the other young woman.

“I’ve just never done anything like this before. Like, what if my dad finds out?” she replies.

“Just try it. Look, give me your hand,” the other says, adding, “Close your eyes, and I’ll do all the work.”

The ad then shows both hands moving over a ballot to mark in Hilton.

“See,” she adds as the other woman says, “I think… I think I liked it.”

“Yeah! Now lick it,” demands the instigator, presenting the envelope.

The ad quickly went viral, with pundits and journalists offering their take on it. Hilton is currently 22 points down in the RealClearPolitics average of polls and is not seen as competitive in his race against Democrat Xavier Becerra.

Fox News anchor John Roberts shared the ad and quipped, “To boldly go where no political ad has gone before….”

Failed GOP candidate for mayor of Los Angeles Spencer Pratt, whose own campaign was lauded for viral ads, added, “OK now this is a brilliant ad. OMFG.”

Below are some additional reactions, highlighting the very split opinions of the ad:

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