UFC Champion Tito Ortiz Leaves California, Cites Newsom's Leadership

Ortiz endorses Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for California governor in 2026

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz, a longtime California resident, has revealed that he has left the state and moved his family to Florida, citing concerns over crime, fraud, and the safety of his children under Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership. Ortiz has endorsed Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who refused to enforce certain COVID-19 lockdown protocols under Newsom, as a candidate for California governor in 2026.

Why it matters

Ortiz's decision to leave California highlights the growing concerns among some residents about the state's policies and leadership under Newsom. His endorsement of Bianco, a pro-law enforcement candidate, could be seen as a rejection of Newsom's approach and a call for a change in direction for the state.

The details

Ortiz, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, said he "never wanted to leave California" but felt compelled to move his family to Florida for their safety. He blamed Newsom's "failures" for "exploding crime, rampant fraud, lawless streets, unaffordable housing, [and] crushed small businesses" in the state. Ortiz praised Bianco for refusing to enforce "unconstitutional lockdowns" during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the sheriff "stood with the people, not the political elite."

  • Ortiz left California with his family and moved to Florida.
  • Bianco is the frontrunner for the 2026 California gubernatorial election.

The players

Tito Ortiz

A UFC Hall of Famer and former light heavyweight champion who was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, and served as a council member and mayor pro tempore in the city.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, whose leadership Ortiz has criticized for contributing to issues like crime, fraud, and lack of safety in the state.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff who Ortiz is endorsing for California governor in 2026, citing 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, UFC Champion (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, UFC Champion (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, UFC Champion (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Bianco is the frontrunner for the 2026 California gubernatorial election, with his biggest challenger appearing to be fellow Republican Steve Hilton.

The takeaway

Ortiz's decision to leave California and endorse Bianco for governor highlights the growing dissatisfaction among some Californians with Newsom's leadership and the desire for a change in direction for the state, particularly around issues of public safety and individual freedoms.