Newsom’s potential replacement could be very different.
Chad Bianco, the pro-Trump sheriff of Riverside County, has become the first major Republican to enter the 2026 California gubernatorial race, marking a bold move against the state’s liberal establishment. Bianco, 58, launched his campaign on Monday, aiming to unseat Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, who will be term-limited after his current tenure.
In a state where conservative values often clash with the dominant liberal politics, Bianco is positioning himself as a staunch defender of California’s struggling middle class, calling out the consequences of Democrat leadership. Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Riverside, Bianco emphasized that the California Dream had turned into a nightmare for many, citing a long list of failed policies. “What have Democrats given us?” Bianco asked. “Rampant crime, sky-high taxes, a housing crisis, fentanyl overdoses, and tent cities in our cities. Californians deserve better.”
Known for his straight-talking, no-nonsense approach, Bianco highlighted his commitment to public safety and law enforcement. He pledged to tackle the state’s controversial sanctuary laws, particularly SB 54, which limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. “I’ll work to repeal SB 54 because it does nothing to protect public safety. It keeps criminals in our communities and puts innocent Californians at risk,” Bianco said, referring to the law that shields undocumented immigrants from deportation.
The Riverside sheriff also reflected on the exodus of Californians leaving the state due to unaffordable living conditions and a worsening quality of life. “I’m tired of seeing my friends and their children leave this great state,” Bianco shared. “California is home, and we don’t have to pack up and move away.”
Bianco has made a name for himself in California by standing up to the state’s COVID-19 mandates, refusing to enforce vaccine requirements for his department’s personnel. He also played a key role in supporting Proposition 36, a successful measure that toughens penalties for theft and fentanyl-related crimes.
With approximately 25% of Californians registered as Republicans and a growing frustration with the state’s leadership, Bianco’s entrance into the race could signal a new wave of conservative momentum in California. As the last Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, served more than a decade ago, the battle for California’s future is far from over.