- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Steve Hilton Leads Rival Chad Bianco as BLM Video Resurfaces
Polling shows Hilton leading Bianco in California governor's race after debate clash over Bianco's 2020 protest actions.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
New polling shows Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, is now the leading Republican candidate for California governor, leading his GOP rival Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco 42% to 33% in a head-to-head primary matchup. The poll was conducted after a televised governor's debate where Hilton criticized Bianco for taking a knee alongside Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020, an incident that 66% of poll respondents found concerning.
Why it matters
The 2020 BLM protest incident involving Bianco could prove to be a significant liability for his campaign, as it appears to have shifted voter sentiment against him. With only the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election regardless of party, Hilton is positioning himself as the Republican candidate best positioned to make it through the primary and compete in the general election.
The details
During a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest, Bianco was filmed taking a knee alongside other sheriff's deputies in front of protesters. Bianco said at the time, "The leaders of this have to work with us to make a difference. And if this is what starts it, then this is what starts it." The new poll found that 66% of respondents found the footage of Bianco's actions to be very or somewhat concerning.
- The poll was conducted after the first televised governor's debate on February 3, 2026.
- Bianco took a knee during a Black Lives Matter protest on June 1, 2020.
The players
Steve Hilton
A former Fox News host who is now the leading Republican candidate for California governor.
Chad Bianco
The Riverside County Sheriff who is Hilton's main Republican rival in the California governor's race.
Eric Swalwell
A high-profile Democratic candidate for California governor.
Katie Porter
A former Democratic congresswoman who is also running for California governor.
Matt Mahan
The mayor of San Jose who is a Democratic candidate for California governor.
What they’re saying
“The leaders of this have to work with us to make a difference. And if this is what starts it, then this is what starts it.”
— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff (Los Angeles Times)
“It's really important we get behind one Republican candidate so we don't risk being shut out.”
— Steve Hilton (The Post)
“Does anyone seriously believe that the Democrat machine will just surrender California by allowing two Republicans to be in the general election? We have to take this very seriously. If we're not careful we are going to throw away the chance of change in California.”
— Steve Hilton (The Post)
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.
