A British-born candidate for California governor drew widespread ridicule online after referring to a fast-food taco from Del Taco as a 'street taco.' Steve Hilton, a Republican gubernatorial hopeful, posted a video on Saturday following a campaign stop in Barstow, where he highlighted his purchase from the chain's original location.
The Controversial Video
In the clip, Hilton stands beside a freeway in a button-down shirt and asks, 'Why am I holding a Barstow street taco right now? Because I just bought it at this historic location.' The camera then pans to a sign marking the local Del Taco, which opened in 1964 as the chain's first restaurant. Hilton concludes, 'There it is. My Barstow street taco. I'm gonna enjoy.'
The video amassed over 700,000 views on X, drawing hundreds of critical comments. Many users derided Hilton as a 'fake Californian' for conflating fast-food fare with authentic local cuisine.
Reaction on Social Media
One user wrote, 'He calls it a “Barstow street taco.” Instantly disqualifying!' Hilton protested, 'It's what they call it!' The commenter fired back, '“They” must not be Californians (much like yourself) if “they” think a hard shell Del Taco abomination is an authentic street taco. Stand down, sir, you are not fit for this fight.'
Numerous others piled on. 'Lol that's not a “street taco” at all,' wrote one, while another chimed in: 'I love Del Taco and the Barstow location but that is in no way, shape, or form a street taco.' Another, apparently picking up on Hilton's accent, asked: 'Is this guy British?'
What Defines a Street Taco?
Rooted in Mexico's culinary tradition, a street taco is typically served on small, soft tortillas and filled with high-quality meats from roadside stands or carts, not brick-and-mortar restaurants, according to Mexican eatery La Vaka. Some commenters, however, appeared enthusiastic about Hilton's taco-touting promotional video. 'Hands down the Best Del Taco! Hope you visit our Victorville area,' one X user wrote.
Hilton's Background and Campaign
Hilton, a British–American political commentator, was born in London and studied at Oxford University. He served as head of strategy for David Cameron and remained a key figure in Cameron's circle when he became UK prime minister in 2010. After leaving British politics, Hilton moved to California, became a US citizen in 2021, taught at Stanford University, and joined Fox News as a contributor and host of The Next Revolution with Steve Hilton, which ended in 2017.
In April, Hilton officially launched his campaign for governor as a Republican, joining a crowded field of candidates vying to succeed term-limited Democratic incumbent Gavin Newsom. He was endorsed by President Donald Trump last month. Hilton has surged in recent polling, especially after former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned from Congress amid sexual-misconduct allegations, bowed out of the race. Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing.
Debate and Primary
On Wednesday, Hilton was one of seven candidates, five of them Democrats, to participate in a televised debate in Los Angeles. Under California's open primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot on June 2, regardless of party. The top two vote getters will advance to the general election in November. If he wins, Hilton would become California's third foreign-born governor, following Arnold Schwarzenegger (born in Austria) and John Downey (born in Ireland).
