Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has launched a new campaign advertisement that utilizes artificial intelligence to criticize California's Democratic leadership. The ad, titled "Machine," depicts Governor Gavin Newsom, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other state Democratic figures as operating a political "machine" that is installing Xavier Becerra as the next governor.
The nearly two-minute spot combines AI-generated animation with live campaign footage to illustrate the idea of California Democrats manufacturing Becerra's candidacy while ordinary residents face issues such as high taxes, rising gas prices, and homelessness. Hilton stated that the ad aims to expose what he described as a "corrupt machine in Sacramento."
The advertisement opens with a narrator asserting that "nothing will ever change" as long as the "machine" controls California. It then transitions to an animated boardroom scene where AI-generated versions of Newsom and Harris, alongside political figures and representatives from groups like "nonprofits," "Chamber of Commerce," and "government unions," discuss the upcoming gubernatorial race.
In the scene, Newsom expresses his inability to run again due to term limits and suggests finding a successor. Harris is shown prompting the "machine" to produce a candidate, leading to Becerra's name appearing. A brief exchange follows where Harris questions the choice, and Newsom describes the "machine" as a mechanism designed to maintain the status quo.
Becerra, portrayed as a product of this system, is depicted accepting the task with the statement, "Nothing. I can do that." The ad later shows Becerra facing an angry crowd before shifting to Hilton addressing his supporters. Hilton is heard questioning the high taxes, gas prices, and homelessness in the state, emphasizing that California belongs to its residents, not "the machines."
The advertisement culminates with protesters confronting robots in suits, and Hilton planting a California flag, symbolizing a fight to reclaim the state. The final moments of the ad show Harris asking Newsom if they can "get Swalwell back."
The ad was produced by Charles Curran, who was also behind a viral video featuring Spencer Pratt during his unsuccessful bid for Los Angeles mayor.
Hilton expressed that the initial reception to the video has been largely positive, noting that it brings the "energy we need." He also indicated that this is the first of several unconventional, AI-enhanced campaign advertisements voters can expect from his campaign.
A spokesperson for Becerra, Jonathan Underland, criticized the ad, stating that Hilton is appealing to his base and that "Force-feeding voters AI slop didn’t play out well for Spencer, and it won’t work for Steve."
Hilton noted that his campaign produced the ad directly, differentiating it from other AI-generated political videos that have appeared in California campaigns.