Liberal meltdown over ‘racist’ AI ad showing California Dem candidate as a clown
A controversial AI-generated political ad depicting California Democrat candidate Ricardo Valencia as a clown has sparked outrage among local Democrats. The ad, sent by the county's Republican Party, features Valencia in a clown costume amid negative imagery and a voiceover with a stereotypical accent. Lawmakers and local politicians have condemned the ad as racist and deceptive, calling for a focus on substantive political debate instead of personal attacks.
- ▪The AI-generated ad portrays Ricardo Valencia, a Latino candidate, as a clown in a negative light.
- ▪Democrats have labeled the ad as racist and deceptive, prompting condemnation from local lawmakers.
- ▪Valencia is currently running in a primary election against two other candidates.
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Politics Liberal meltdown over ‘racist’ AI ad showing California Dem candidate as a clown By Titus Wu Published May 25, 2026, 4:17 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google Santa Barbara County Democrats are blowing up over an AI-generated political ad that targets a Latino candidate running for the county board of supervisors. The ad, texted by the county’s Republican Party to voters, depicts Democrat-endorsed candidate Ricardo Valencia as a clown roaming the city of Santa Maria amid scenes of fire, homeless encampments and crime. According to the Santa Barbara News-Press, there is a voiceover with a “stereotypical Latino accent” that accuses Valencia of failing to address key issues affecting voters.
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