Hilton Blasts GOP Rival Bianco for Kneeling During BLM Protests

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton criticizes opponent Chad Bianco for taking a knee with protesters in 2020.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a heated exchange during a California gubernatorial debate, Republican candidate Steve Hilton blasted his GOP rival Sheriff Chad Bianco for skipping the debate and for taking a knee with Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020. Hilton accused Bianco of having "more baggage than LAX" and urged voters to watch the video of the "shifty sheriff" kneeling, which Bianco has claimed was an act of prayer.

Why it matters

The California gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with no clear frontrunner. Hilton's attack on Bianco over the 2020 kneeling incident highlights the divisions within the Republican party and the challenges candidates face in navigating issues of race and policing.

The details

During the debate, Hilton took the opportunity to address Bianco's absence, accusing him of skipping the event. Hilton then criticized Bianco for taking a knee with Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020, saying "In 2020, during the Black Lives Matter riots, he took a knee when told to by BLM. Now, he says he was praying." Hilton urged voters to watch the video of the incident online, calling Bianco a "shifty sheriff" with "more baggage than LAX."

  • In 2020, Bianco took a knee with Black Lives Matter protesters.
  • The California gubernatorial debate took place on Tuesday.

The players

Steve Hilton

A top California Republican and leading candidate in the 2026 California gubernatorial race.

Chad Bianco

The Republican sheriff of Riverside County, California, who is also running for governor but skipped the debate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In 2020, during the Black Lives Matter riots, he took a knee when told to by BLM. Now, he says he was praying.”

— Steve Hilton, California Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.