Sheriff Chad Bianco Runs for California Governor to "Make California Great Again"

Bianco says he's focused on winning the race and saving the state, not political mudslinging.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County has announced his candidacy for California governor, saying he's running to "make California great again" and win the race. Bianco says he's not going to respond to attacks from his Republican opponent, as he believes the best path for a Republican to win is if both candidates in the general election are Republicans. Bianco touts his lead in the polls and says he's focused on the issues, not politics.

Why it matters

Bianco's decision to run for governor as a Republican in deep-blue California could shake up the race, especially if he and another Republican make it to the general election. His strategy of avoiding political attacks and focusing on the issues could resonate with voters eager for change in the state.

The details

Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County, is running for governor to "make California great again" and win the race. He says he's not going to respond to attacks from his Republican opponent, as he believes the best path for a Republican to win is if both candidates in the general election are Republicans. Bianco touts his lead in the polls and says he's focused on the issues, not politics. He says he'll fight against Newsom's "climate change" agenda, investigate fraud in the bureaucracy, veto "crazy ideas" from the state legislature, and stop the "runaway taxes and regulations" that are making life unaffordable in California.

  • Bianco announced his bid for governor in February 2026.
  • The California primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Chad Bianco

The sheriff of Riverside County who is running for California governor as a Republican.

Gavin Newsom

The outgoing Democratic governor of California whose "legacy of failure" Bianco says he will undo.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to get into political mudslinging and backstabbing.”

— Chad Bianco, Sheriff and Gubernatorial Candidate

“There is no Democrat who will unravel the 'climate change' agenda that is causing our gas prices and energy bills to skyrocket. I will.”

— Chad Bianco, Sheriff and Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The California primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, where Bianco and his Republican opponent will face off.

The takeaway

Bianco's strategy of avoiding political attacks and focusing on the issues could resonate with California voters who are eager for change, but his path to victory in the deep-blue state will still be challenging as a Republican candidate.