Trump supporting California sheriff launches Republican run for governor in race to succeed Newsom

Section 1: Introduction to Chad Bianco’s Candidacy
On Monday, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race. Bianco, a staunch Republican and supporter of former President Donald Trump, aims to challenge the state’s Democratic leadership under Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will be term-limited in 2026. The sheriff made his announcement during an event in Riverside, a city located about 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Bianco’s platform focuses on addressing the rising cost of living, improving public safety, and restoring what he describes as “common sense” to state governance.

Section 2: Bianco’s Vision for California
In his address, Bianco emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes the needs of everyday Californians. He highlighted key issues such as affordable housing, reliable utilities, access to water for agriculture, and reducing bureaucratic red tape. “We want honesty and transparency from our elected officials,” Bianco declared, also calling for lower taxes and a reduction in government waste. The sheriff, who has served in law enforcement for over 30 years, struck a populist tone, framing his campaign as an effort to bring sanity back to Sacramento and reverse what he views as decades of failed policies under Democratic control.

Section 3: Bianco’s Background and Policy Positions
Bianco, a vocal critic of Gov. Newsom and the Democratic-majority state legislature, gained prominence for his support of Proposition 36, a ballot measure passed in November 2022. The measure increased penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, marking a shift in California’s approach to crime and punishment. Bianco has been critical of the state’s progressive criminal justice reforms, arguing that they have led to rising crime rates and a lack of accountability. His campaign is centered around restoring law and order, a theme that resonates with many conservatives and moderate voters who feel the state has moved too far left on public safety issues.

Section 4: The Democratic Field and Potential Competition
While Bianco enters the race as a Republican in a deeply blue state, the Democratic field for governor is already crowded and competitive. Among the candidates are high-profile figures such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former Rep. Katie Porter, who ran unsuccessfully for the Senate last year. Additionally, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is also considered a potential contender. The race could become even more intriguing if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run for governor, a possibility that has been floated by some in her political orbit. Harris, who previously served as California’s attorney general and U.S. senator, would likely be a formidable candidate in a state she once called home.

Section 5: The Challenges of Running as a Republican in California
Bianco’s candidacy marks the latest attempt by a Republican to break the Democratic stranglehold on statewide offices in California. The last Republican to win a statewide election was former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in his 2006 re-election campaign, highlighting the uphill battle Bianco faces. However, some Republican strategists believe that the state’s dissatisfaction with rising crime, high living costs, and lagging economic growth could create an opening for a tough-on-crime candidate like Bianco. Richard Grenell, a longtime Trump aide, has even suggested that he might enter the race if Kamala Harris decides to run, arguing that her political baggage could make her vulnerable in a general election.

Section 6: The Broader Implications of the 2026 Race
The 2026 California gubernatorial race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in the nation. The contest will not only determine the future direction of the state but also have significant implications for national politics. With California’s top-two primary system, the race could feature a mix of candidates from both parties, setting the stage for a unpredictable and potentially historic general election. Bianco’s candidacy adds a new layer of complexity to the race, as his law-and-order message and outsider persona could appeal to voters disillusioned with the status quo. While the odds remain stacked against him, Bianco’s entrance into the race ensures that the 2026 election will be anything but ordinary.