UFC Champion Tito Ortiz Leaves California, Endorses Sheriff Bianco for Governor

Ortiz cites crime, fraud, and lack of safety as reasons for relocating his family to Florida

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Tito Ortiz, a former UFC champion and Huntington Beach mayor pro tempore, has revealed that he has relocated his family from California to Florida due to concerns over crime, fraud, and lack of safety under Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership. Ortiz is now endorsing Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for California governor in 2026, praising Bianco's refusal to enforce certain COVID-19 lockdown protocols under Newsom.

Why it matters

Ortiz's decision to leave California highlights the growing concerns among some residents about public safety and the direction of the state under Newsom's governance. His endorsement of Sheriff Bianco could also boost the sheriff's profile and chances in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race.

The details

Ortiz, a pioneering UFC Hall of Famer and former light heavyweight champion, said he never wanted to leave California, where he built his life and career. However, as a parent, he felt compelled to relocate his family to Florida for their protection due to the "crime, the fraud and the growing threat to the safety" of his children. Ortiz blames Newsom's "failures" for the conditions that have pushed his family out of the state, citing "exploding crime, rampant fraud, lawless streets, unaffordable housing, crushed small businesses and families who no longer feel safe in their own communities."

  • Ortiz relocated his family to Florida in 2026.

The players

Tito Ortiz

A former UFC champion, Huntington Beach mayor pro tempore, and mixed martial arts star who has relocated his family from California to Florida.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, whose leadership and policies Ortiz blames for the conditions that led him to leave the state.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff who Ortiz is endorsing for California governor in 2026, praising Bianco's refusal to enforce certain COVID-19 lockdown protocols under Newsom's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“I never wanted to leave California. But I left because of the crime, the fraud and the growing threat to the safety of my children. Like millions of other parents, I made the difficult decision to move my family to Florida — not for opportunity, but for protection. No parent should ever be forced to flee their home state to keep their children safe.”

— Tito Ortiz (Fox News Digital)

“Gavin Newsom's failures didn't start in Sacramento. He helped devastate San Francisco, then exported those same disastrous policies statewide. The result is undeniable: exploding crime, rampant fraud, lawless streets, unaffordable housing, crushed small businesses and families who no longer feel safe in their own communities.”

— Tito Ortiz (Fox News Digital)

“Sheriff Chad Bianco is not a career politician. He is a proven leader with courage and integrity. In 2020, when Gavin Newsom ruled by decree and used fear as a weapon, Sheriff Bianco stood up and refused to enforce unconstitutional lockdowns. He defended churches, small businesses and the fundamental rights of Californians.”

— Tito Ortiz (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Ortiz's endorsement of Sheriff Bianco could boost the sheriff's profile and chances in the upcoming 2026 California gubernatorial race, which Bianco is currently leading in several polls.

The takeaway

Ortiz's decision to leave California and endorse Sheriff Bianco highlights the growing discontent among some Californians with the state's leadership and policies under Governor Newsom, particularly around issues of public safety and personal freedoms.