When I told my dad we were going to eat tacos with Steve Hilton, he laughed. He wondered if Hilton was connected with Trump. Indeed, he is. Yet, Hilton also aims to be California’s next governor by reaching out to Latinos, promoting affordability, lower taxes, and the California Dream. Hilton even took out full-page ads emphasizing that despite President Trump critics, choosing him over Democrat Xavier Becerra would be reasonable.
As we awaited Hilton at King Taco’s main restaurant in East Los Angeles, my father quipped that Hilton says whatever fits him. We were in our libertarian ranch-style attire: jeans, leather belts, pearl snap shirts, and Suavecito pomade for me; alligator boots and a 100X gray Stetson for my dad.
Hilton arrived dressed casually, ready for a Hermosa Beach party. He wore a black open-collar shirt, dark blue pants, and white Adidas shoes with orange stripes. His wrist sported bands supporting “Charlie Kirk” and “Save Girls.” In May, I challenged him to have tacos with us after backlash from calling hard-shell tacos at a Del Taco in Barstow “street” food. Despite the criticism, Hilton continued his Latino outreach, visiting East L.A. and hosting events where he served tacos.
While waiting to order, Hilton mentioned poverty, crime, and daily struggles aren’t improving here. The cost of everything is high, yet Democrats expect Latinos’ votes indefinitely. I credited Hilton for reaching out to Latinos, whom he termed as California’s “past and future.” He believed Becerra had an easier campaign, much like the guy escorting a quinceañera during the waltz!
I acknowledged Hilton’s aspirational message resonates with Latinos. Many family members were open to considering Hilton after years of Democratic rule leading to California’s current state. However, Hilton’s emphasis on advocating for legal immigrants was a sticking point, especially for families who obtained citizenship after entering illegally. My father didn’t appreciate the distinction Hilton made between legal and illegal immigrants.
During the meal, Hilton sought clarity from my father in Spanish regarding his identity — was he an immigrant, legal, or American? My father humorously described himself as a humble man wanting peace and clarified his disapproval of Hilton’s “legal.” Hilton attempted to explain he meant those aspiring to be legalized.
Hilton argued that Latinos he engaged with pride themselves on doing it “the right way.” My father recounted his illegal entry into the U.S. in 1968 due to job needs and shared why he didn’t regret that decision. Hilton suggested most people disagree with illegal immigration, pointing out the criminal aspect of it.
Hilton stated reducing the cost of living as his priority, not undocumented immigrant issues. As governments can’t achieve everything, he acknowledged that governor powers don’t extend to legalizing immigrants. Yet, previous California governors supported undocumented residents with driver’s licenses, in-state college tuition, and legal actions against Trump.
I pressed Hilton if he would advocate for undocumented immigrants. He expressed uncertainty with what he would advocate for. My dad declined to brand Trump or his supporters as racist, yet spoke out about immigration agents’ actions feeling oppressive.
Hilton stressed reducing living expenses as his main goal. Immigration agents acting heavy-handed concerned him, yet he rejected claims Trump’s deportation movements were racially motivated. He stated he would address humane enforcement if elected.
Hilton and my dad agreed a rebel spirit and freedom identify California, but recognized struggles. While my dad admired Hilton’s usage of “gasolina” and challenged Hilton on immigrant amnesty suggestions, Hilton encountered unwavering opposition to his campaign.
Hilton urged a split vote — considering Republicans in gubernatorial races despite voting Democrat elsewhere. However, my father emphasized needing more concern about Trump’s deportation policies.
Hilton left King Taco hurriedly for his next appointment. Upon leaving trash on the table, my father reiterated his stance, remarking Republicans appear wealthy, not representing the poor, concluding with, “Let’s vote for the poor.”