Former UFC Fighter Backs Sheriff Bianco for Governor
Dan Henderson, a former UFC fighter, has officially endorsed Sheriff Chad Bianco for the 2026 California gubernatorial election.
Bianco, the current sheriff of Riverside County, is running as a Republican. Recent polling from the University of California, Berkeley, indicates he is currently leading against Republican Steve Hilton and Democratic candidate Katie Porter.
Henderson commended Bianco for his actions in 2020, particularly his refusal to enforce California’s coronavirus curfew and mask mandates. He expressed admiration for Bianco’s decision during that time, stating that if all businesses had been shut down, many would likely have gone out of business, leading to even greater hardships.
“It was more about common sense than panic. He didn’t treat it like the world was ending,” Henderson reflected.
A lifelong resident of California, Henderson has faced challenges under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic administration. While he intends to stay in California, he mentioned seeing close friends move to states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida in search of better conditions.
Concerns Over Gas Prices
Discussing the rising gas prices, Henderson noted that filling his Grenadier costs around $100. He desires the next governor to explore the potential for tapping into California’s offshore oil reserves to alleviate dependency on foreign suppliers and reduce costs.
“We have the highest prices in the nation,” he pointed out. “There’s plenty of unused oil beneath us, yet we aren’t utilizing our resources and facing a growing deficit each year.”
On Immigration Policies
Regarding immigration, Henderson believes everyone should enter the U.S. legally, emphasizing the importance of following the proper channels. He mentioned wanting to ensure that all immigrants go through the legal process, reflecting a common sentiment among his legal friends who share his views.
Recent years have seen an increase in protests against ICE officers in California. Henderson commented on the challenges these officers face, highlighting incidents where they were targeted during protests.
Governor Newsom has passed legislation limiting ICE’s authority, including restrictions on entering schools and requiring warrants for hospital access.
Women’s Sports and Transgender Policies
In terms of educational policy, Henderson criticized California’s allowance for biological males to compete in girls’ sports. He believes it undermines the efforts of female athletes who train hard. Newsom has previously acknowledged concerns about fairness but has not enacted changes.
Henderson remarked, “It just seems like he’s not really interested in addressing it.”
Wildfire Management Issues
The governor also faced backlash following severe wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year. Henderson criticized the inadequate water reserves and the management of the situation, suggesting that Newsom should have been more proactive. He noted that the loss of water pressure could have jeopardized firefighters’ efforts to protect homes.
While these issues remain contentious, Henderson’s endorsement of Bianco reflects a desire for change in California leadership as the state approaches its next gubernatorial election.
