Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has thrown his hat into the ring for California’s 2026 Governor’s race, becoming the first major Republican candidate to do so.
At a Glance
- Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff, announces candidacy for California Governor in 2026
- Bianco is the first significant Republican to enter the race
- He criticizes Democratic policies on crime, taxes, cost of living, and homelessness
- Bianco faces challenges as a conservative in a predominantly Democratic state
- The race is expected to be highly competitive, with several potential Democratic candidates
A Conservative Voice Enters the Race
In a move that’s sure to shake up California’s political landscape, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has officially announced his bid for the 2026 California gubernatorial race. Bianco, a staunch conservative and critic of the state’s Democratic leadership, is positioning himself as a change agent in a state that hasn’t elected a Republican Governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.
Bianco’s campaign launch was marked by a strong critique of the current Democratic administration. “We’re here to announce our campaign to be the next Governor of California,” Bianco declared, setting the tone for what promises to be a contentious race.
Challenging Democratic Policies
The Sheriff didn’t mince words when addressing what he sees as the root of California’s problems. “It is only our Democrat elected officials who are responsible for the decline of California,” Bianco stated, laying the blame squarely at the feet of the current leadership.
“What is it that they have given us? Rampant crime, higher taxes, the highest cost of living in our nation, tent encampments in every major city, more fentanyl deaths, catastrophic fires, a broken homeowners’ insurance market. Californians deserve better,” Chad Bianco said.
Bianco’s campaign is focusing on key issues that resonate with conservative voters, including crime rates, taxation, and the state’s ongoing homelessness crisis. His stance on these issues presents a stark contrast to the policies of Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-controlled legislature.
A Controversial Figure
Bianco is no stranger to controversy. His tenure as Riverside County Sheriff has been marked by high inmate death rates and a Department of Justice investigation into his department. Bianco has defended his record, stating, “Every single one of these inmate deaths was out of anyone’s control.”
“Despite the lies, the attacks and the hit pieces from our Attorney General, activist groups and tabloid media, the state of California even commended and recommended that every correctional institution in the state follow our lead on the safety and protection of our inmates,” Bianco said.
Bianco’s past association with the Oath Keepers, a militia group, has also raised eyebrows, though he has since disavowed their actions. His opposition to COVID-19 mandates and vaccination efforts, despite later contracting the virus himself, has been another point of contention.
The Road Ahead
As the first major Republican to enter the race, Bianco faces an uphill battle in a state that leans heavily Democratic. However, his campaign is betting on a message of change and a promise to address issues that many Californians feel have been neglected.
“I’m tired of my friends leaving this state. I’m tired of watching my friends’ kids leave this state. We need to bring them all back with sanity and the promise that California is, and once again will be, the best state in this country,” said Bianco.
The 2026 California gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with potential Democratic contenders including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, and even speculation about Vice President Kamala Harris.
