Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco Announces Candidacy for California Governor

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco officially launched his bid for governor of California on Monday, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. His announcement took place at an 11:30 a.m. event at Avila’s Historic 1929 Event Center in Riverside, where he made his intentions clear.

“I am here to announce our campaign to be the next governor of California,” Bianco declared to a room filled with supporters. “For decades, the party in complete control of our government has relied on the same failed ideas and policies that simply do not work.”

A Law Enforcement Veteran Enters the Political Arena

Bianco, a seasoned law enforcement officer with more than 30 years of experience, has served as the sheriff of Riverside County since 2018 and secured re-election in 2022. His leadership has been marked by a tough-on-crime approach, including strong support for Proposition 36, which was passed in November 2024. This proposition enforces stricter penalties for certain retail theft and drug-related offenses, aligning with Bianco’s stance on public safety.

Congressman Ken Calvert introduced Bianco at the event, expressing strong support for his candidacy. “We love Chad Bianco as the sheriff of Riverside County, but we’re going to love him even more in Sacramento, cleaning up the mess that’s been created,” Calvert said.

A Strong Conservative Voice

Bianco has been an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump and has frequently criticized California’s sanctuary state policies. He has condemned Senate Bill 54, referring to it as “dangerous” and pledging to fight for its reform. In response to recent speculation about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids being conducted by Riverside County deputies, Bianco released a video clarifying the department’s position and voicing his opposition to the sanctuary state law.

During his press conference, Bianco did not hold back in criticizing California’s current administration. “Rising crime, the skyrocketing cost of living, unaffordable food and gas prices, excessive government regulations, a broken education system, and a crumbling infrastructure are forcing hardworking Californians to leave the state,” he stated.

While acknowledging the challenges of running as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, Bianco remains optimistic. “I’m not going to win as a Republican—I’m going to win as a Californian,” he declared. “We are doing this for the people of California.”

Controversies and Challenges

Bianco has not been a stranger to controversy. In 2023, his department made national headlines when deputies arrested a man outside of a Trump rally in Coachella Valley on suspicion of firearm-related charges. Bianco initially claimed that his deputies had prevented an assassination attempt, but the U.S. Attorney’s Office later stated that there was no credible threat to Trump’s safety.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bianco joined other sheriffs in refusing to enforce state mask mandates and curfews, a stance that drew criticism from lawmakers who argued that such actions undermined public health efforts. Despite the backlash, Bianco maintained that his priority was protecting citizens’ rights rather than imposing government mandates.

His tenure has also been marked by tragic events. In 2023, he had to navigate the heartbreaking loss of two deputies—Deputy Isaiah Cordero and Deputy Darnell Calhoun—both killed in the line of duty. Speaking at their memorial services, Bianco directed sharp criticism at the judicial system, particularly in the case of Cordero’s death.

“This tragedy should have been prevented by the criminal justice system,” he said, blaming a judge’s decision to release a three-strike offender who later killed Cordero. “We would not be here today if this judge had done her job.”

The Road Ahead for the 2026 Election

With the 2026 gubernatorial race already heating up, Bianco will face stiff competition. While current Governor Gavin Newsom will not be seeking re-election, several high-profile Democrats have already declared their candidacy, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former State Controller Betty Yee.

Attorney General Rob Bonta recently announced that he will not be entering the race, and Vice President Kamala Harris has remained noncommittal about her political future in California.

Despite the growing list of candidates, Bianco’s campaign is expected to focus on key issues such as rising crime, homelessness, fentanyl-related deaths, wildfires, skyrocketing insurance rates, and California’s high cost of living. “Californians deserve better,” Bianco asserted. “Our state is at a breaking point, and it’s time for real leadership.”

Mixed Reactions to His Candidacy

While many gathered to support Bianco’s announcement, a sizable group of protesters also showed up outside the event.

“I would be terrified to have him as governor,” one protester told reporters, reflecting concerns among those who oppose his policies.

Bianco’s candidacy signals a stark contrast to the Democratic stronghold that has defined California politics in recent years. Whether his tough-on-crime and conservative policies will resonate with voters across party lines remains to be seen.

Bianco’s campaign rhetoric highlights the ongoing debate about government regulations and workers’ rights, topics that extend beyond law enforcement and into employment law. Issues like workplace discrimination, including pregnancy discrimination, remain a critical concern in California. For those facing unfair treatment in the workplace, particularly expectant mothers dealing with unlawful employment practices, an Oakland Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney can provide crucial legal guidance. Protecting workers’ rights in a state with shifting political dynamics is more important than ever, making legal advocacy a key factor in ensuring fair treatment for all employees.