A British-born candidate for governor of California has found himself at the center of a social media storm after praising a fast-food taco as a 'street taco.' Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and Republican gubernatorial candidate, posted a video over the weekend in which he extolled the virtues of a taco purchased at a Del Taco in Barstow.
'Why am I holding a Barstow street taco right now?' Hilton said in the clip, filmed standing beside a freeway in a button-down shirt. 'Because I just bought it at this historic location.' The 'historic location' is the original Del Taco, a chain with around 600 locations across 17 states. The taco in question looked like a typical hard-shell ground beef taco with a single slice of tomato.
Street tacos are traditionally served in soft tortillas with grilled protein, onions, cilantro, and salsa. Hilton, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen just five years ago on May 11, 2021, was not expected to be an expert on Mexican cuisine. However, many Californians mocked his praise for a mass-produced taco that he did not even eat on camera.
Critics pointed out that the first Del Taco was actually in Yermo, not Barstow, and that the taco was far from authentic. One user wrote, 'A British man running for governor in California, going to Barstow, and calling THAT a street taco… it’s gonna be a long 6 months…' Another added, 'The first Del Taco was in Yermo, and that’s DEFINITELY not a “street” taco.'
Hilton responded to the backlash by insisting that the locals call it a 'Barstow street taco.' But his response only deepened the criticism. One user replied, '“They” must not be Californians (much like yourself) if “they” think a hard shell Del Taco abomination is an authentic street taco.'
Hilton then tried to shift the conversation, explaining that his running mate, Gloria J. Romero, worked at that Del Taco as a teenager. 'Not everything in life has to be turned into a political argument!!' he wrote. Romero appreciated the visit, but social media users felt she should have educated Hilton on California's Mexican food culture.
Hilton currently leads a crowded field of candidates with 20% of the vote. The top two vote-getters after the June 2 primary, regardless of party, will advance to the November election ballot.
