Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has announced his intention to run for governor of California in the 2026 election, positioning himself as a prominent Republican contender in a race heavily populated with Democratic candidates. Bianco, known for his support of former President Donald Trump and his vocal criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom, plans to make his official announcement on President’s Day in Riverside.
Bianco’s entry into the race marks a significant moment, as he becomes the highest-profile Republican candidate in a field that is expected to include a variety of Democratic hopefuls vying to succeed Newsom, who is completing his second term and cannot seek re-election. Speculation is rife about whether former Vice President Kamala Harris will also enter the race, given her established political background in California, including her roles as San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, and U.S. senator.
Having been elected sheriff in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Bianco has been contemplating a gubernatorial run since June. His platform is likely to resonate with law-and-order conservatives, as he has been a staunch advocate for public safety policies that counter progressive reforms. During the recent election cycle, he supported Proposition 36, a measure aimed at reversing certain criminal justice reforms and tightening laws against theft and fentanyl use.
Bianco has a history of controversial stances, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when he declared he would not enforce potential vaccine mandates for his department, asserting that vaccination should remain a personal choice. Additionally, his past membership in the Oath Keepers, a far-right group linked to the January 6 insurrection, has drawn scrutiny, although he has since distanced himself from the organization.
Political analysts are cautious about Bianco’s chances in a state that has leaned heavily Democratic in recent years. UC Riverside political scientist Shaun Bowler noted the challenges faced by Republican candidates in California, with the last Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, having been elected in 2006. Bowler emphasized that while a moderate Republican could potentially succeed, overcoming the strong opposition from the party’s right wing and the historical Democratic dominance in the state will be a formidable task.
Riverside County, while significant, does not hold the same political weight as other regions like Los Angeles or the Bay Area, which could further complicate Bianco’s campaign. Key issues in the upcoming gubernatorial race are expected to include immigration and border security, areas where Bianco has not shied away from expressing his opinions. He has previously joined a coalition of sheriffs supporting stringent border policies, including the transportation of immigrants to sanctuary cities.
As the political landscape evolves in the lead-up to the 2026 election, the dynamics of the race will continue to shift, particularly if high-profile candidates such as Harris decide to run. With a crowded Democratic field already forming, including figures like Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Bianco’s campaign will need to carve out a distinct identity to attract voters in a predominantly blue state.