Riverside Sheriff Seizes Ballots While Running for Governor

Chad Bianco claims fraud in 2025 California elections as he investigates redistricting process.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:15am

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A close-up view of a wooden ballot box sitting on a table, with the box partially obscured by deep shadows and warm, directional lighting, creating a somber, cinematic mood that reflects the gravity of the situation.As election integrity concerns mount, a lone ballot box sits in the shadows, raising questions about the impartiality of law enforcement officials involved in the electoral process.Riverside Today

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate for California governor, has seized ballots as part of an investigation into alleged fraud in the 2025 state elections. Bianco claims he has been contacted by people from other counties who say similar issues are happening in their areas.

Why it matters

Bianco's actions as a law enforcement official while running for higher office raise concerns about potential abuse of power and undermining of democratic processes. His claims of election fraud echo broader narratives that have been used to sow distrust in the electoral system.

The details

Sheriff Bianco seized ballots as part of an investigation into the 2025 California elections, in which Democrats were given approval to redraw district maps. Bianco, a prominent election denier, claims he has been contacted by people from other counties who say similar issues are happening in their areas.

  • Bianco seized ballots as part of an investigation into the 2025 California elections.

The players

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff who is running for California governor as a Republican and has made claims of election fraud.

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What they’re saying

“There are a lot of people reaching out to us from other states, from other counties than Riverside saying the same thing's happening here.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff

The takeaway

Bianco's actions as a law enforcement official while running for higher office raise serious concerns about potential abuse of power and undermining of democratic processes. His claims of election fraud echo broader narratives that have been used to sow distrust in the electoral system, which could have far-reaching consequences for the integrity of California's elections.