British strategist Steve Hilton draws ridicule for misidentifying a classic San Diego street taco
California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, a former adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, faced sharp criticism on May 11 after he incorrectly described a popular San Diego street taco as “a quesadilla with meat on a tortilla.” The gaffe was highlighted in a Guardian report and quickly went viral on social media, where locals mocked the disconnect between the candidate and regional cuisine.
Hilton, who is running as a Republican in the 2026 California governor’s race, has struggled to connect with the state’s diverse electorate, a challenge compounded by recent missteps on policy discussions and cultural references. California’s culinary identity—particularly its iconic taco culture—has long been a touchstone for local pride and political authenticity.
The Guardian noted that food blogger Maria Lopez responded on Twitter, “If you think a taco is a quesadilla, you’ve never eaten a real street taco.” Hilton’s campaign released a brief apology, saying the comment was “a poor choice of words during a live interview.” Political commentator John Feldman observed that “the incident, while minor, underscores the candidate’s broader difficulty in resonating with everyday Californians.”
Political analysts suggest that such cultural faux pas can be damaging in a state where authenticity is prized. Professor Angela Martinez of UC Berkeley’s School of Law explained that “candidacy credibility often hinges on perceived cultural competence,” and that repeated missteps could erode voter trust.
Hilton’s campaign is set to address larger policy issues at a town hall in Los Angeles on May 20. Observers will watch whether the candidate can refocus public attention on his platform or whether further gaffes will exacerbate his struggle to gain traction in a crowded primary field.