Republican candidate Steve Hilton has launched an innovative campaign ad ahead of the California governor’s race, using artificial intelligence to portray the state’s Democratic leadership as a powerful political machine. The two-minute ad, released Thursday, combines AI-generated animation with live footage to depict Governor Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and the broader Democratic establishment as orchestrating the selection of Xavier Becerra as Newsom’s preferred successor.
The ad, titled “Machine,” was produced by Charles Curran, known for creating the viral “Pratt-Man” video that featured former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt during his unsuccessful bid for Los Angeles mayor. Hilton’s spot illustrates a narrative of political control, suggesting that while the Democratic machine advances its candidates, ordinary Californians face increasing struggles with rising taxes, high gas prices, and homelessness.
In the ad, the Democratic leadership is shown as a mechanized force endlessly producing political figures like Becerra, implying a lack of genuine choice for voters. Hilton described the message as a battle between ordinary people and a corrupt system operating out of Sacramento. He emphasized that the campaign aims to highlight how special interests have overtaken the government, leaving regular Californians behind.
Hilton’s release of the ad follows his recent appeal to voters who oppose former President Donald Trump, seeking to broaden his base by targeting those disenchanted with the current political establishment. His campaign rhetoric underscores a central theme of reform and resistance to entrenched political power as he challenges Newsom’s administration and the state’s Democratic hierarchy ahead of the gubernatorial election.