Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco officially announced his candidacy for California governor on Monday, positioning himself as a staunch law-and-order conservative. Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Riverside, Bianco, 58, criticized the state’s Democratic leadership for what he described as years of mismanagement that have led to a decline in living conditions for Californians.
During his speech, Bianco lamented the erosion of the California dream, stating that it has devolved into a nightmare characterized by soaring prices for essentials like food and housing, rampant crime, and the proliferation of tent encampments in major cities. "What is it that they have given us?" he asked, listing issues such as high taxes, fentanyl-related deaths, catastrophic wildfires, and a failing homeowners’ insurance market. He asserted that Californians deserve better governance.
Bianco’s campaign launch comes as he joins a crowded field of Democratic candidates vying to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible to run for a third term. Bianco, elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022, has gained statewide recognition as a vocal opponent of Newsom and the Democratic supermajority in the state Legislature.
Expressing his frustration over friends and families leaving California, Bianco emphasized his commitment to making the state a better place for future generations. "I’m tired of watching my friends’ kids leave this state," he declared, as supporters waved signs that read, “California is home. You don’t have to move.”
Bianco has made headlines for his controversial stances during the COVID-19 pandemic, including his refusal to enforce potential vaccine mandates for his department. He has also faced a civil rights investigation into his department, which he claims is politically motivated. Additionally, he supported Proposition 36, a measure aimed at increasing penalties for theft and fentanyl distribution, which received overwhelming support from California voters.
"The California electorate’s two-thirds support for the measure was a repudiation of Democratic leaders who tried their best to keep it off our ballot," Bianco remarked, framing his campaign as one focused on the shared goal of improving California rather than strict party politics.
Historically, Republicans have struggled in statewide elections, with the last Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, elected in 2006. Currently, registered Republicans make up about 25% of California’s electorate, compared to nearly 46% for Democrats. Despite this, Bianco remains optimistic about his chances, suggesting that his candidacy could resonate with voters seeking change.
Bianco’s campaign will likely face competition not only from established Democrats but also from potential Republican candidates, including conservative commentator Steve Hilton and former state senator Brian Dahle, who previously ran against Newsom.
As the race heats up ahead of the June 2026 primary, the political landscape remains uncertain, particularly with speculation surrounding the potential candidacy of former Vice President Kamala Harris. Bianco expressed interest in facing Harris, stating, "To run against her and her history in California, I’d welcome that."
With nearly a year and a half until the primary, Bianco’s campaign is set to focus on law enforcement, public safety, and economic issues, aiming to rally support from a populace increasingly concerned about the state’s direction.