Republican Steve Hilton is facing off against Democrat Xavier Becerra in the California governor’s race. The Golden State is blue so Hilton is trying to appeal to dissatisfied Democrat voters and independents. But his latest campaign ad with a LGBTQ+ theme is dividing some voters Hilton already had on his side. Is the ad too extreme or extremely funny?
You be the judge, take a look. (WATCH)
Just try it, California. pic.twitter.com/6uqT6m8oV4
— Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) October 1, 2026
It’s easy to see why some find the ad offensive and why some are saying ‘lighten up.’
Those who like the ad praised it and congratulated Hilton’s team for thinking outside the box.
Actually 10/10. So well done lmao. pic.twitter.com/XuAn49KGoc
— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) October 1, 2026
This is a fabulous ad. Well done.
— MAZE (@mazemoore) October 2, 2026
Well...whatever works! 😂
— Jellenne 🇺🇸🌵🌞 (@Jellenne) October 1, 2026
Save CA! VOTE HILTON!
It’s certainly not your typical Republican faith, family, and finances election spot, that's for sure.
Those who oppose the gay-themed ad are livid. One pastor even considered ending his endorsement of Hilton over it. Those in favor of the ad pushed back.
Shame on you, @SteveHiltonx, @CAGOP and @CorrinRankin, for reposting and cheering this creepy, weird, disturbing garbage on.
This is a clear example of exactly why good people are walking away from the Republican Party.
As a mother and someone who has fought to protect the innocence of children, this crosses a line. We have lost our way.
Embarrassing. 🤢
— Sonja Shaw (@realSonjaShaw) October 2, 2026
@SonjaShaw.........you need to look at the big picture.
— Mel's Mom #IStandWithTrump (@mels_mom) October 3, 2026
If you can't see it, perhaps you are not ready for this position. Too much drama. pic.twitter.com/Ab03dLYeO2
UPDATE 🚨: In a FaceBook live, Pastor Jack Hibbs condemned the LGBT themed Steve Hilton ad, advises Steve Hilton team to issue a statement, but won’t fault Steve for a bad ad campaign.
— Anthony Cabassa (@anthonycabassa) October 3, 2026
Says he will be voting for Steve Hilton and Republicans, encourages all to do the same. https://t.co/p9loYBoGZ3
Recommended
The alternative is a far-left radical Democrat who will further destroy the state. Choose wisely, California.
One recurring GOP candidate says she’s tired of Republicans she views as humorless prudes.
The same prudes clutching their pearls over this video are probably the same people who gave me crap over my last name and my campaign slogan.
— Christine Bish (@BishforCA) October 3, 2026
They need to get their panties out of a bunch.
It’s humor. It’s creative. It got people talking.
Mission accomplished. pic.twitter.com/C5GLNr2v7U
NGL @spencerpratt was absolutely right; it's time to ditch the political advisors and go with marketing and film experts. These people are ingenious.
— Justin_Debates (@justin_debates) October 2, 2026
We're living in the Golden Age of Republican PR.
Whether you like the commercial or not, Republicans need to expand their approach and reach if they hope to win in modern elections.
Opinions of the controversial campaign ad range from gross to spectacular, immoral to illegal, and much more.
Are you trying to throw your race. You just lost the conservative vote with this.
— Authur Gorman (@AuthurGorman) October 3, 2026
You're trying to go after sexual deviants on the left. A trans flag and two girls that look underage really
It’s gross 🤮
All for you Steve, but this just cost you the election
— Justin Barrows 📸 (@BarrowsJustin) October 2, 2026
Disgraceful
If red voters want a red governor to win in a blue state, then they really shouldn’t whine when their red candidate runs ads that might actually appeal to blue voters.You need blue voters to win. Don’t sabotage this one, conservatives. Vote Steve Hilton! 🇺🇸
— Kristen Mag (@kristenmag) October 3, 2026
Bad choice. Pandering is not the answer.
— Sharon 🇺🇸 (@1NoCaGal) October 3, 2026
This is actually illegal - don't let someone else hold your hand, eyes closed, and mark the vote of their choosing.
— J (@jbartee) October 1, 2026
The comments are what's wrong with the right. this was funny, chill out.
— The Hambone Group (@thehambonegroup) October 2, 2026
Well done! Well done! pic.twitter.com/GCbQ2oGKWs
— Doña de Commiefornia (@LaDonaDelValle) October 1, 2026
Great ad for people in California! It wouldn’t work in a red state but, it’s genius for California.
— Brian Aroniss (@WolfofLevittown) October 2, 2026
What works in Iowa doesn’t work in California. That’s true. But did Hilton cross a line? Let us know in the comments.