Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton sparked controversy after calling his Del Taco order a "street taco" in a social media video. The comment drew immediate criticism from food experts who pointed out that the crunchy, lettuce-filled taco bore no resemblance to authentic California street tacos. Hilton, a British-born candidate endorsed by former President Trump, faces questions about his familiarity with the state's diverse culinary traditions.

The post garnered over 1 million views on X, with commenters mocking Hilton's apparent misunderstanding of California's Mexican food culture. Democratic rival Antonio Villaraigosa responded with a video of himself eating a traditional street taco, emphasizing the distinction. Hilton defended his comments, claiming he was using the restaurant's own terminology and noting his running mate suggested the nostalgic visit to the Barstow landmark.

Food gaffes have tripped up politicians before, from Bill de Blasio's pizza-eating technique to Mitt Romney's sandwich terminology in Pennsylvania. The controversy highlights how food authenticity has become intertwined with political identity in California's diverse culinary landscape, potentially influencing voter perceptions in the gubernatorial race.