Gubernatorial candidate's ad panned as creepy

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has released a campaign advertisement that has drawn public criticism. The ad, part of Hilton’s outreach to voters ahead of the upcoming election, uses a metaphor that equates voting for the Republican Party with a lesbian sexual encounter.

In the spot, visual and verbal elements portray the comparison, suggesting that choosing a Republican candidate is akin to engaging in a private, intimate act between women. The advertisement’s language and imagery are intended to convey a message about the perceived nature of Republican policies, according to the campaign’s stated objectives.

The advertisement has been described by commentators as “creepy,” with the characterization focusing on the use of a sexual metaphor involving a same‑sex relationship. Critics argue that the comparison is inappropriate for political messaging and that it may alienate or offend viewers.

Responses to the ad have been largely negative, with observers noting that the approach diverges from conventional political advertising standards. The criticism has been reported across multiple media outlets, emphasizing the discomfort the ad has caused among audiences.

The controversy surrounding Hilton’s advertisement highlights the sensitivities involved in political campaign communications, particularly when sexual themes are employed. The candidate’s team has not issued a public statement clarifying the intent behind the ad, and the issue remains a point of discussion as the gubernatorial race progresses.