A lifelong fan of the New York Yankees is urging Californians to support his bid for governor. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, recalling the intense Yankees-Dodgers rivalry of his youth in the ’70s and ’80s, shared his mixed feelings about the Dodgers defeating the Yankees in the 2024 World Series. “I was disappointed, sure. I wanted the Yankees to win. But, honestly, I also recognized that the Dodgers were the stronger team,” Bianco stated.
During this period, Bianco campaigned alongside former Dodgers player Steve Garvey, who was running for the California Senate but ultimately lost to the incumbent Democrat Adam Schiff. Now, Bianco is ahead in the polls for the 2026 governor’s race, believing that the past two years of Democratic leadership have strengthened the case for a Republican governor. “Things have gotten a bit worse since 2024. Californians see the corruption in politics and that crime is escalating,” he remarked.
Concerns about the upcoming Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which will take place in about two years, are also surfacing. Issues like crime rates, homelessness, the aftermath of wildfires, and rising taxes have many people questioning if the city can properly host the games.
Moreover, the state is witnessing an influx of biologically transgender male athletes competing in girls’ high school sports. California officials have not adhered to a directive from former President Trump that proposed restrictions on such participation, leaving many young girls to face traumas. The state’s stance has led to lawsuits from the Justice Department and several private legal actions.
Los Angeles Olympics in 2028
Bianco opines that Los Angeles would struggle to host the Olympics under the current conditions. “Honestly, I don’t think we could pull it off this year. We just don’t have the funds or infrastructure. It’s frankly embarrassing for the city,” he expressed.
He cited alleged mismanagement by the state government and emphasized the scale of homelessness, which he noted affects over 72,000 individuals in Los Angeles due to insufficient affordable housing. “If Democrats remain in charge,” Bianco warned, “they’ll just push homeless people into suburbs without really addressing the underlying issues.” He aims for long-term resource reallocation to address homelessness as governor, stating, “It’ll take about 18 months to two years, but I believe we can tackle 90 percent of the issue.” He further explained that it’s not merely about housing but also about substance addiction and mental health, proposing significant cuts to funding for nonprofits that do not address these core problems effectively.
Looking ahead to the Olympics, Bianco is concerned about the financial challenges athletes will face due to California’s high taxes. He highlighted the recent Super Bowl experience of Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who was hit hard by taxes, losing a substantial amount of his earnings. For the Olympic athletes—many of whom earn considerably less—Bianco worries that the current tax structure will create disadvantages. His proposal includes eliminating the state income tax, leveraging oil revenue to offset losses.
Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
California has become a focal point in the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports. Current Governor Gavin Newsom has described the issue as “grossly unfair” but has not taken action. Bianco contests this, arguing that Newsom is misrepresenting the truth. “The governor is ultimately responsible for these issues and shifts the blame to avoid accountability,” Bianco asserted. He plans to leverage his gubernatorial power to protect women’s sports.
“Schools need to stand firm on this issue; if they comply with state mandates, they risk losing funding,” he insists, noting the ongoing legal and social backlash against schools that mismanage these policies. Young boys in California have reportedly faced forced transfers to participate in girls’ sports, raising serious concerns over parental rights and student welfare.
The state is currently entangled in a lawsuit over its approach, while many schools are facing additional legal challenges. Bianco is confident that the federal lawsuit could be resolved by adhering to prior presidential directives. “These young women deserve compensation for the injustices they’ve faced; it’s long overdue,” he stated, asserting that schools should be held responsible.
He acknowledged that under existing mandates, numerous school officials are compelled to facilitate transgender athletic participation without parental consent, which has resulted in job losses for some who refuse to comply. Bianco encourages educators to prioritize ethical responsibilities over job security in such situations, stating, “Be brave, do the right thing. Teachers who stand firm are starting to see victories, and it’s essential to protect the children involved.”
His message to school staff is clear: “If elected, I will hold those accountable who disregard the welfare of our children.” Bianco’s campaign reflects a blend of sports passion and a commitment to what he views as critical social issues facing the state.
