John Ratzenberger Backs Republican Chad Bianco for California Governor
John Ratzenberger, known for his role in “Cheers” and his voice work for Pixar, has shown his support for Republican candidate Chad Bianco in the California gubernatorial race, while also criticizing the leadership of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
As California’s primary elections in June loom closer, the rivalry between the two parties is heating up. Prominent figures, including Ratzenberger, are weighing in on their choices for who might lead the state effectively. With over two decades in Hollywood, Ratzenberger has portrayed Cliff Clavin in “Cheers” and lent his voice to characters in beloved films like “Toy Story” and “Cars.”
In a statement, Ratzenberger reflected on Newsom’s handling of the 2020 lockdown, stating that he believes Bianco is the right person to “fix the mess” left by Newsom. He mentioned his dedication to bringing American manufacturing back and noted that many manufacturers felt overlooked before Trump’s administration. He criticized Newsom for prioritizing socializing over business during the pandemic, saying, “When businesses were closing, he was partying with celebrities.” Ratzenberger emphasized his trust in Sheriff Bianco to rectify the issues in California.
Ratzenberger pointed out that when Newsom enforced shutdowns, Bianco refused to arrest those who chose to stay open, highlighting Bianco’s understanding of the situation. He stated, “His background and experience will be needed to finally end the crime and corruption that has plagued California for years.”
Throughout the national lockdown, California had some of the strictest COVID-19 restrictions, which extended long beyond those of many other states. While most states lifted stay-at-home orders by May 2020, California continued its restrictions well into June 2021.
Amid struggles for small businesses and workers during this time, California experienced significant population decline, losing around 500,000 residents from April 2020 to July 2022, although it later regained some residents. The California Department of Treasury has indicated a cautious outlook for positive growth in the near term.
Moreover, Newsom’s administration has faced criticism over unpaid debts to the federal government from pandemic-related support, being the only state that has not paid these back. Additionally, the Employment Development Department has been scrutinized for issues related to fraudulent unemployment benefits during this crisis.
Looking toward the future, Ratzenberger has also expressed backing for Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 election, linking Trump’s agenda to the revival of jobs in the U.S., particularly in the manufacturing sector.
In the 2026 California gubernatorial race, Bianco is competing against a mix of well-known Democrats and Republicans. Recent polls show Bianco leading among the candidates, suggesting a competitive primary ahead.
