After months of speculation, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco will be the first Republican to enter the race for governor.
Politico reported Wednesday that Bianco plans to launch a campaign to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026.
Driving the news: Bianco was elected as sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022, quickly gaining national fame during the COVID-19 pandemic for his outspoken criticism against the lockdowns.
- He has been a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, releasing an endorsement video before the election and speaking in support of Trump during a rally in Coachella.
- Bianco has also been a harsh critic of California’s sanctuary state status through Senate Bill 54, known as the California Values Act, which prohibits most communication for local law enforcement with immigration officers.
- Last week Bianco released a video confirming that Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies are following state law by not making immigration-related arrests. He said in the video that he will fight to reform SB 54, which he says was forced on California by reckless politicians.
State of play: Bianco joins a crowded list of high profile Democrats who have already launched campaigns to succeed Newsom.
- Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis was the first to enter the race and has been joined by former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins, former Controller Betty Yee and state Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
- Former Rep. Katie Porter (D–Irvine) and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra have also been rumored to be interested in the race, but the top Democrat could end up being former Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Fox news contributor Steve Hilton has also been rumored to run.
What we’re watching: Bianco is expected to officially launch his campaign on Monday, according to CBS.
Flashback: Last June, a coalition of Republican leaders formed to urge Bianco to run for governor.
- The group was led by Rep. Ken Calvert (R–Corona) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R–Bonsall) and included sheriffs across the Central Valley.
