Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco launched his campaign for governor on Monday after several months of speculation.
Bianco became the first Republican to join the crowded field of high-profile Democrats looking to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026.
Driving the news: Bianco was first elected as sheriff in 2018 and has over three decades of experience in law enforcement.
- He gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for his opposition to California’s lockdowns and has been a supporter of President Donald Trump.
- Bianco also was an ardent supporter of Proposition 36, which passed last year and increased criminal penalties for certain theft and drug offenses.
State of play: As the first Republican in the race, his opponents so far are Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins, former Controller Betty Yee and state Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
What he’s saying: Bianco launched his campaign in front of over 1,500 supporters on Monday.
- “I am running for Governor because our beautiful state – which I absolutely love – is heading down the wrong track and has been for years,” Bianco said in a speech. “Everyone knows it, except those sitting in the Sacramento echo chamber. For decades the party in complete control of our state government has tried the same failed ideas and implemented the same failed policies.”
- Bianco spoke about lowering the cost of living, lowering housing prices, addressing rolling blackouts, providing water for California’s farmers, decreasing regulation and lowering taxes.
- “Those currently in power are completely out of touch, but they are not out of reach,” Bianco said. “Californians deserve a change of direction in order to get our state back on track. I promise to campaign for Governor with everything I have. We will take our message of restoring sanity to every corner of our great state.”
