California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, a British political strategist, drew swift criticism after posting a video in which he referred to a hard-shell taco from Del Taco as a 'street taco.' The incident occurred outside a Del Taco location in Barstow, which Hilton described as a 'historic location' and the 'original Del Taco.'
Video Sparks Outrage
In the video shared on social media, Hilton held up the taco and said, 'We just did a great town hall here in Barstow,' while calling the item a 'Barstow street taco.' The description immediately drew derision in California, where tacos are considered practically the official dish.
Gustavo Arellano, a Los Angeles Times columnist and author of a book on Mexican food history, responded: 'The first Del Taco was in Yermo, and that's DEFINITELY not a 'street' taco. Signed, the guy who wrote the book about the history of Mexican food in the United States.'
Another critic wrote that Hilton's description was 'instantly disqualifying.' Hilton defended himself, stating that the business called it a 'Barstow street taco' and noting that his running mate, Gloria Romero, took him to the location where she worked as a teenager. 'Not everything in life has to be turned into a political argument!!' he said.
Street Tacos vs. Hard Shell
Street tacos are traditionally made with two soft corn tortillas, unlike the hard-shell version Hilton held. Commenters pointed out that the restaurant's menu actually listed the item as a 'Barstow taco,' not a 'street taco.'
Hilton, a Republican endorsed by Donald Trump, has been a frontrunner in the governor's race, surprising UK political veterans who described him as an 'ideologue rather than doer' and 'not a serious politician.' He has pledged to reduce taxes and tackle affordability, arguing that Democratic 'one-party rule' has failed the state.
