Riverside County Sheriff Runs for California Governor

Chad Bianco criticizes state leadership and mayors for failing to address homelessness and other issues

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A close-up painting of a sheriff's badge resting on a wooden table, the badge's metallic surface reflecting warm, golden light and casting long shadows, conveying a sense of solitary duty and the weight of political responsibility.The campaign of a Republican sheriff seeking to become California's next governor reflects the state's deep political divisions and desire for change.Los Angeles Today

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate for California governor, spoke with KNX News about his campaign and his views on the state's challenges. Bianco criticized the current political leadership, saying 'we have five-year-olds running our state' and that California's issues won't be fixed until the party affiliations are removed from the equation.

Why it matters

Bianco's campaign for governor as a Republican sheriff represents an unconventional political outsider candidacy in a state dominated by Democratic leadership. His criticisms of the status quo in California politics and policy could resonate with some voters frustrated with the state's ongoing issues like homelessness.

The details

In the interview, Bianco said that 'we have five-year-olds running our state' and that 'that's why we are failing in California, because we have children operating in an adult's world.' He also criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and previous mayors for failing to properly address homelessness, saying they've allowed Skid Row to continue unchecked.

  • The interview took place before Bianco controversially seized some 650,000 ballots from last year's election, which the California State Supreme Court is currently reviewing.

The players

Chad Bianco

The sheriff of Riverside County and a Republican candidate for California governor.

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have five-year-olds running our state. That's why we are failing in California, because we have children operating in an adult's world.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff and Gubernatorial Candidate

“Every mayor before her [Karen Bass] has failed the city to say that Skid Row is ok just because it's Skid Row.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff and Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The California State Supreme Court is currently reviewing the case regarding Bianco's seizure of ballots from the previous election.

The takeaway

Bianco's unconventional candidacy as a Republican sheriff running for California governor highlights the deep frustrations some voters have with the state's political establishment and ongoing challenges. His criticisms of the current leadership could resonate with those seeking a political outsider to address the state's problems.