Trump-Aligned Sheriff Chad Bianco Enters California Governor Race

Bianco launches campaign criticizing Democratic leadership, positioning himself as a law-and-order candidate for the 2026 election.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a vocal Trump supporter, announced his 2026 gubernatorial bid during a campaign event in Riverside, California.
Bianco criticized decades of Democratic policies in California, pledging to address crime, lower living costs, reduce taxes, and increase government transparency.
California's 2026 gubernatorial race has drawn a crowded field, including notable Democrats like Toni Atkins, Eleni Kounalakis, and Antonio Villaraigosa, with speculation about potential bids from Kamala Harris and Katie Porter.
Bianco's tenure as sheriff has faced scrutiny, including a civil rights investigation into his department and criticism over his handling of jail deaths and COVID-19 policies.
Despite California's strong Democratic lean, recent polling suggests dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party, potentially creating opportunities for Republican candidates like Bianco.