{
  "id": 11564711,
  "title": "Steve Hilton Goes Viral For Lesbian Political Ad, and It’s Apparently Not AI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/steve-hilton-goes-viral-for-lesbian-political-ad-and-its-apparently",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T00:21:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/politics/steve-hilton-viral-lesbian-political-ad-just-try-it-california/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton released a campaign ad on October 1, 2026, featuring two young women engaging in a lesbian relationship. The ad, titled \"Just try it, California,\" showcases one woman, who appears hesitant, being guided by the other woman, who appears more confident. The confident woman instructs the hesitant one to close her eyes and guides a ballot into her hand, implying voting for Hilton. The ad was not created using artificial intelligence, a fact that Hilton confirmed, although he did not disclose the director's name. Instead, he suggested that viewers refer to his \"Bring Hollywood Home\" initiative. The ad received mixed reactions on social media, with some praising its boldness, while others found it creepy. Former Los Angeles mayor Spencer Pratt, who previously went viral with AI-generated political ads, commended the ad, calling it \"brilliant.\"",
  "summary": "The Republican candidate for California governor's “Just try it” ad sparks responses from Spencer Pratt, John Roberts and more The post Steve Hilton Goes Viral For Lesbian Political Ad, and It’s Apparently Not AI appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Republican candidate Steve Hilton released a lesbian-themed political ad on October 1, 2026.",
    "The ad, titled \"Just try it, California,\" features two women guiding each other to vote for Hilton.",
    "Hilton confirmed the ad was not AI-generated, praising his \"Bring Hollywood Home\" initiative."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Steve Hilton's unconventional campaign ad humanizes his brand and reclaims attention in a crowded field, possibly redefining bold campaigning in California's Republican primary.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}