Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco became the first well-known Republican to announce a bid for California governor to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026. Bianco is an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump and has criticized Newsom and other Democrats leading California.

In announcing bid for governor, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco says the California dream has 'turned into a nightmare' for people struggling with soaring prices.

A frequent guest on Fox News and other conservative media, Chad Bianco endeared himself to the right with his open defiance of, and unwillingness to enforce, Newsom’s COVID-19 mandates.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco officially announced Monday, Feb. 17, that he’ll run for governor in 2026, hoping a campaign centered on fighting crime and targeting Sacramento’s Democratic leadership can overcome questions about his background and recent challenges for Republicans seeking statewide office.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, an outspoken critic of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and supporter of President Donald Trump, says he is running for governor. “I think California is in desperate need of an honest,

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said he is running for governor of California in 2026, becoming the first major Republican to announce a bid for an election nearly two years away.