California Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Backlash Over 'Street Taco' Label at Del Taco Visit
Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for California governor, sparked online criticism after referring to a hard-shell taco from Del Taco in Barstow as a 'street taco' in a social media video. The term is traditionally associated with soft corn tortillas sold by street vendors, leading food and cultural commentators — including Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano — to correct him. Hilton defended the label, saying it was what the restaurant or his running mate called it, and emphasized the sentimental value of the visit with Gloria Romero, who once worked there. The incident drew widespread mockery online, with some viewing it as a sign of cultural disconnect. Democratic candidate Antonio Villaraigosa responded with a contrasting video at a taco truck. While both sources agree on the core event, The Guardian emphasizes political unfitness and foreign outsider status, while The New York Times focuses on cultural symbolism and local food identity.
The New York Times provides more contextual depth by including a direct political counter-response and framing the issue within California’s broader Mexican food culture. The Guardian adds unique political skepticism from UK sources but omits key domestic political reactions. Neither source is fully comprehensive, but The New York Times edges ahead in completeness due to richer cultural and political context.
- ✓ Steve Hilton, a Republican gubernatorial candidate in California, posted a social media video at a Del Taco in Barstow.
- ✓ In the video, he referred to a menu item as a 'Barstow street taco'.
- ✓ The term 'street taco' is traditionally associated with soft corn tortillas and street vendors, not hard-shell fast-food tacos.
- ✓ Hilton's use of the term sparked widespread criticism on social media.
- ✓ Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano publicly corrected Hilton, stating it was not a 'street taco'.
- ✓ Hilton defended himself by saying the restaurant or his running mate referred to it that way, and that not everything needs to be politicized.
- ✓ His running mate, Gloria Romero, had worked at the Barstow Del Taco as a teenager, and the visit was partly sentimental.
- ✓ The incident occurred during a campaign stop following a town hall event.
- ✓ Hilton is a British-born political strategist and former adviser to David Cameron, endorsed by Donald Trump.
- ✓ He is considered a front-runner in the Republican primary for governor.
Framing of the incident as political or cultural misstep
Presents the incident primarily as a political embarrassment and a symbol of Hilton’s outsider status and lack of connection to California culture. The tone leans toward mockery and implies the gaffe reflects broader unfitness for office.
Frames the event as a cultural misunderstanding with political resonance, emphasizing the symbolic clash between fast-food chains and authentic Mexican food culture in California. It treats the story more as a cultural commentary than a direct indictment of Hilton’s candidacy.
Use of political context beyond the taco incident
Includes direct criticism of Hilton’s political background, quoting UK political veterans who describe him as an 'ideologue rather than doer' and 'not a serious politician.' This adds a layer of political skepticism not present in The New York Times.
Does not reference Hilton’s UK political reputation or include foreign expert commentary. Focuses instead on domestic cultural dynamics and includes a direct response from Democratic rival Antonio Villaraigosa, which The Guardian omits.
Inclusion of opposing candidate’s response
Does not mention any response from other candidates.
Includes a detailed account of former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa filming a video at a taco truck, explicitly contrasting his 'real' street taco with Hilton’s, thereby politicizing the food distinction.
Menu accuracy and attribution
Notes that the restaurant’s menu actually calls the item a 'Barstow taco', not a 'street taco', suggesting Hilton misrepresented the restaurant’s own labeling.
Does not verify or challenge the menu name; instead accepts Hilton’s claim that 'it’s what they call it' without fact-checking the menu directly.
The Guardian
Framing: Frames the event as a political gaffe symbolizing Hilton’s outsider status and lack of cultural competence. The incident is presented as emblematic of his broader unfitness for office.
Tone: derisive, dismissive, politically skeptical
Sensationalism: The headline uses mockery ('mocked for misidentifying') and emphasizes error, setting a derisive tone.
"California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton mocked for misidentifying a ‘street taco’"
Framing By Emphasis: Describes Hilton as 'the British political strategist' immediately, foregrounding his foreignness as a key trait.
"Steve Hilton, the British political strategist seeking the state’s top office"
Cherry Picking: Includes unsolicited criticism from UK political veterans calling Hilton an 'ideologue rather than doer', adding political skepticism not tied to the event.
"UK political veterans who described him as an 'ideologue rather than doer' and 'not a serious politician'"
False Balance: Notes that the menu actually calls it a 'Barstow taco', contradicting Hilton’s claim and implying dishonesty or inaccuracy.
"the location’s menu actually called it a 'Barstow taco'"
Editorializing: Presents Hilton’s defense as defensive and dismissive ('Not everything in life has to be turned into a political argument!!') without exploring cultural nuance.
"Not everything in life has to be turned into a political argument!!"
The New York Times
Framing: Frames the event as a cultural misunderstanding with political symbolism, emphasizing California’s food identity and the contrast between fast food and authentic cuisine.
Tone: analytical, contextual, mildly ironic
Framing By Emphasis: Headline poses a neutral question, inviting curiosity rather than judgment.
"Can a ‘Street Taco’ Be Crunchy? A California Politician Is Finding Out."
Comprehensive Sourcing: Describes the visit as a 'pit stop' and notes the restaurant is the 'oldest operating Del Taco', adding historical and cultural context.
"visited the oldest operating Del Taco in the United States"
Proper Attribution: Explains the cultural significance of soft tortillas and absence of lettuce in authentic street tacos, educating readers on food norms.
"where soft tortillas dominate and lettuce is a rarity"
Balanced Reporting: Includes a direct response from rival candidate Antonio Villaraigosa, showing political escalation of the issue.
"Antonio Villaraigosa...addressed Mr. Hilton directly in a social media video filmed at a taco truck"
Vague Attribution: Relays Hilton’s defense without editorial judgment, presenting it as a plausible explanation.
"It’s what they call it!"
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Can a ‘Street Taco’ Be Crunchy? A California Politician Is Finding Out.
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton mocked for misidentifying a ‘street taco’