California sheriff uses ‘To Catch A Predator’ playbook to squash blue state crime

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a seasoned law enforcement veteran with over three decades of experience, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial race. Bianco, a Republican and supporter of former President Donald Trump, is vowing to bring his tough-on-crime approach to the governor’s office, aiming to reverse what he describes as the decline of California under Democratic leadership. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Bianco expressed his frustration with the status quo, stating, “I’m not about doing the norm. I’m not about doing what we’ve always done. It’s about pushing the limits for a reason and for the right reason.” He blamed the state’s deteriorating condition on Democratic officials, citing issues such as rising crime, higher taxes, a soaring cost of living, and the proliferation of fentanyl deaths. “Californians deserve better,” he asserted.

Bianco’s career in law enforcement has been marked by bold initiatives and a willingness to challenge traditional practices. One of his earliest successes came in 2006 when he worked with Dateline NBC on the groundbreaking “To Catch a Predator” series. This operation targeted internet predators, resulting in the arrest of 51 individuals over a three-day period in Southern California and beyond. Bianco credited his persistence and vision for the operation’s success, which later inspired similar efforts across the country and even in England. He reflected on this experience, saying, “It was all because I knew what the right thing to do was. And I wasn’t happy with being told no and being told no just for the reason of, ‘well, that’s not how we do things.'” This mindset, he explained, has defined his career: pushing boundaries and striving for better outcomes.

In Riverside County, Bianco has implemented policies that he believes are making a tangible difference. He highlighted the county’s jail operations, which have been recognized by the state of California as a model for other correctional institutions. Bianco also pointed to lower crime rates in his jurisdiction, attributing this success to his approach of “allowing deputies to be deputies” and working closely with Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin. He emphasized the importance of accountability in crime prevention, stating, “You absolutely have to have that system if you are going to deter crime. If there’s not going to be a punishment and a consequence for crime, then naturally people are going to just keep committing crimes.” This philosophy has not only kept violent crimes at bay but also attracted businesses and families to the area, as Bianco noted, “People are moving into this county and bringing their businesses into our county because they know that it’s safer for their business here. They know that it’s safer for their kids.”

Despite these successes, Bianco acknowledged the challenges facing California, particularly the ongoing struggle with drugs, including the devastating impact of fentanyl. He criticized the state’s progressive policies and open border policies, which he believes have exacerbated the crisis. Bianco explained, “The fact that we’ve had such an open border and the flood of fentanyl into the country, it’s infected every type of drug. So there’s no such thing now as a ‘safe drug.’” His office is actively working to combat drug cartels and retail theft, efforts that set Riverside County apart from more liberal areas of the state. Bianco said, “We’re actually keeping criminals out of our area because they know that we don’t stop until we catch them. And it’s honestly not rocket science in law enforcement. If you’re doing the right thing and you’re doing the enforcement part of it, criminals want the path of least resistance.”

Bianco’s announcement comes as Governor Gavin Newsom’s office touts California’s new public safety laws and operations aimed at addressing crime. Newsom’s administration highlighted the state’s near-record-low crime rates and the recent implementation of bipartisan efforts to combat property and retail crime. The governor’s office also noted the California Highway Patrol’s targeted operations in high-crime areas, which have resulted in thousands of arrests, stolen vehicle recoveries, and firearm seizures. However, Bianco remains unconvinced, arguing that the state’s decline is directly tied to progressive policies and a lack of accountability. He asserted, “It is only our Democrat elected officials who are responsible for the decline of California.”

As Bianco prepares for his gubernatorial campaign, he is positioning himself as a trusted leader who prioritizes truth and the well-being of Californians. He acknowledged the challenges of recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers in a state he believes is in decline but expressed optimism about his ability to make a difference. Bianco concluded, “I think we’re at a point in society, particularly in California, where people are fed up, and they are begging for someone that they can trust. And I think that my experience, my 32 years in law enforcement now and six as the sheriff of Riverside County, people can look to me and know that they may not like what they hear, but they know it’s going to be the truth.” With his no-nonsense approach and proven track record, Bianco hopes to inspire change and restore California’s promise.