With California’s June primary nearing, voters will soon decide which two gubernatorial candidates will face off in November’s general election.
Here’s a clear, factual look at who Chad Bianco is, what he stands for, and how his record compares — designed to help readers make informed decisions.
Who is Chad Bianco?
Bianco, who was elected Riverside County Sheriff in 2018 and has worked in law enforcement for more than 30 years, is running for California governor on a platform focused on a law-and-order and anti-regulation.
Background and career
Why Chad Bianco is running
Bianco has said he is vying for the governor’s seat “to restore the California Dream for all.” He believes, without ties to political interests in Sacramento, he can better serve Californians. Bianco says he has a “vision for a better California,” which includes a focus on safer neighborhoods, stronger law enforcement, and the restoration of the state’s criminal justice system.
“I am running for governor because our beautiful state — which I absolutely love — is heading down the wrong track and has been for years,” Bianco said in his campaign announcement in February 2025, ABC 7 News reported. “For decades the party in complete control of our state government has tried the same failed ideas and implemented the same failed policies. Californians want leadership that actually cares about the cost of living — and leaders who will do something about it. We want homes we can afford. We want air conditioning when it’s hot, not rolling blackouts. We want water for the crops and animals that feed us. We want the opportunity to achieve the California Dream, not be prevented from it because of red tape and regulation from government.”
Key policy positions
Economy and cost of living
Housing and homelessness
Public safety and crime
Climate, water and energy
Immigration and border issues
Education
Election and campaign history
What critics say
Bianco has been accused of engaging in political stunts, such as the 2026 seizure of 650,000 ballots. He has faced scrutiny for overseeing a jail system, where mortality rates are high, with some reports calling it one of the deadliest jail systems in the nation.
What supporters say
Bianco’s supporters praise him for his “law and order” leadership and point to his decades of law enforcement experience as a basis for fixing state corruption and crime, often invoking the saying, “Only the sheriff can save us now.”
What’s next in the race
Sources and reporting notes
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Who is Chad Bianco? What to know about the California governor candidate
Reporting by Daniella Segura, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
