Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco Enters 2026 California Governor’s Race

Bianco, a Trump-aligned Republican, joins a crowded field as speculation grows over Kamala Harris’s potential candidacy.

Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff and staunch supporter of Donald Trump, has announced his bid for California governor in the 2026 election.
Bianco, known for his tough-on-crime stance and criticism of Democratic policies, championed Proposition 36, which reinstated stricter penalties for theft and drug crimes.
The Democratic field is already crowded with candidates, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former State Controller Betty Yee.
Speculation continues over whether Kamala Harris, former vice president and longtime California politician, will enter the race, potentially reshaping the Democratic contest.
California’s last Republican governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger, and experts suggest the state’s political landscape poses significant challenges for GOP candidates like Bianco.