Riverside County Sheriff Outlines Priorities in Governor Race

Chad Bianco sits down with Eyewitness News to discuss his plans for California if elected

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco outlined his policy positions on key issues like gas prices, homelessness, and immigration in a recent interview with Eyewitness News. Bianco, who is running for California governor, said he would roll back regulations to increase in-state oil production, expand treatment options for the homeless, and criticize both major parties' approaches to the race.

Why it matters

As the primary election for California governor approaches, Bianco's interview provides insight into how he would approach some of the state's biggest challenges if elected. His views on issues like energy, homelessness, and immigration could significantly impact Californians if he wins the governorship.

The details

In the interview, Bianco said he would "remove the regulations on California oil" to make the state "oil independent" and lower gas prices. On homelessness, he said he would expand treatment options for alcohol, drugs, and mental health. Bianco also criticized both major parties, saying Democrats are "running against" him and Republicans are "trying to harm" him in the campaign.

  • The California primary election for governor is four months away.

The players

Chad Bianco

The current Riverside County Sheriff who is running for California governor.

Eyewitness News

A local news outlet that conducted the interview with Bianco.

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What they’re saying

“I'm removing the regulations on California oil. We will absolutely be oil independent in this state. Kern County is going to supply us with the oil we need to be oil independent. It's that simple.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff (Eyewitness News)

“None of us believe that homelessness is going down. We will provide alcohol treatment centers, drug treatment centers and treatment centers that treat both.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff (Eyewitness News)

“The Democrat side is just trying to convince everyone that they're running against Donald Trump. They're not. They're running against me and they know it. They're raising money to fight me.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff (Eyewitness News)

What’s next

The California primary election for governor is scheduled for July 2026.

The takeaway

Bianco's policy positions, if enacted, could significantly impact Californians on issues like energy, homelessness, and immigration. His criticisms of both major parties also suggest he may take a unique approach to governing if elected.