Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco Announces Run for Governor
A New Candidate in the 2026 California Gubernatorial Election
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco on Monday formally announced his candidacy for governor of California, putting to rest months of speculation about his future plans. The campaign kickoff event took place at Avila’s Historic 1929 Event Center in Riverside, where Bianco was expected to be joined by his family and several area elected officials.
A Law Enforcement Leader with a Strong Voice for Reform
According to his campaign statement, Sheriff Bianco faces the harsh reality of California’s failed public policies on a daily basis. As a strong advocate for reforming state law to ensure public safety across California, he was a leader and vocal advocate for Proposition 36, which passed overwhelmingly in November and has started to bring common sense to criminal sentencing laws.
A Long History in Law Enforcement
Bianco has been in law enforcement for over three decades and is the highest-paid elected official in county government, with a composite income of $593,518 in 2023, according to payroll figures from the California State Controller’s Office. Prior to his current role, he had run unsuccessfully against then-Sheriff Stan Sniff in 2014.
A Critic of Current Governor Gavin Newsom
Bianco has consistently expressed his disapproval of Governor Gavin Newsom, stating in an interview last April, “We don’t agree on much of anything.” Newsom will not be on the ballot this time around.
A Growing Field of Prospective Candidates
The field of prospective candidates for the 2026 California gubernatorial election has been growing. Last year, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor and Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, and former State Controller Betty Yee all declared their candidacy as Democrats. The Republican slate is less certain, leaving open the possibility that Bianco may be the main attraction on the Republican side.
Conclusion
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s announcement marks a significant development in the 2026 California gubernatorial election. With his extensive experience in law enforcement and strong advocacy for reform, Bianco is expected to bring a unique perspective to the campaign. As the election season heats up, voters will have the opportunity to learn more about his platform and vision for California’s future.
FAQs
* What is the current status of the 2026 California gubernatorial election?
The field of prospective candidates is growing, with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco being the latest to announce his candidacy.
* Who is running in the 2026 California gubernatorial election?
As of now, the following candidates have declared their candidacy: Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis (D), former Los Angeles Mayor and Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa (D), former State Controller Betty Yee (D), and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (R).
* What is the current state of the Republican party in the 2026 California gubernatorial election?
The Republican slate is less certain, leaving open the possibility that Bianco may be the main attraction on the Republican side.
