Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a staunch Republican and vocal critic of Governor Gavin Newsom, is preparing to launch his campaign for California governor in 2026. Bianco, known for his tough-on-crime stance, played a key role in the successful passage of Proposition 36, a measure implementing stricter penalties for specific drug and theft offenses.
Sheriff Chad Bianco speaking at a news conference. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
With over three decades of law enforcement experience, Bianco has been Sheriff since 2018. He has been hinting at a gubernatorial bid since last spring, expressing his desire to bring common sense and prioritize the well-being of Californians over what he views as ideologically driven agendas.
Sheriff Bianco addressing a news conference. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Bianco's announcement comes as speculation continues around former Vice President Kamala Harris's political future, with a potential gubernatorial run in 2026 among the possibilities. Harris has a deep history in California politics, having served as San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General, and U.S. Senator.
Current California Governor Gavin Newsom. (California Governor Gavin Newsom YouTube channel)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
The Democratic field for the 2026 gubernatorial race is already competitive, with candidates including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Other potential contenders include former Representative Katie Porter and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. On the Republican side, former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton is also considering a run.
California's unique primary system, where the top two candidates regardless of party advance to the general election, adds another layer of complexity to the race.
