Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is currently gaining traction in California’s gubernatorial race, asserts that Californians are fed up with Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic leadership’s, well, let’s say questionable relationship with crime. Bianco, polling at 16%, is just a notch below fellow Republican Steve Hilton, who leads with 17%, according to a recent Berkeley Institute of Government poll.
Both Republicans are notably ahead of prominent Democrats like Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter, each at 13%. In a recent Fox News Digital interview, Bianco suggested that California has prioritized criminals and undocumented immigrants over its citizens, declaring that the state is, frankly, in worse shape than ever after years under Newsom’s governance.
As crime, the cost of living, and immigration policies become critical issues for the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election, Bianco and other Republicans are finding their footing. “We’re leading in the polls because we’re delivering a better California,” he stated, emphasizing their plan for a more common-sense approach that, perhaps unsurprisingly, seems to resonate with many residents.
However, Bianco voiced concerns that Newsom and the Democrats’ failure to enforce the law is severely harming California businesses. It’s become, he asserted, “no longer a cost of doing business,” instead, it’s driving businesses out. He elaborated on the practical implications by mentioning safety issues affecting farmers and local businesses, which leaves them vulnerable to theft and robbery.
Despite some crime statistics indicating a decrease, Bianco pointed out that the way crimes are classified has changed, masking the true extent of criminal activity in California. He noted how previous crimes, like drug possession, were decriminalized, meaning they simply don’t show up in current reports. “What used to be a crime is no longer a crime, but we still feel it,” he remarked, illustrating a common sentiment that the public is grappling with.
From his perspective, California politicians have intentionally restricted law enforcement’s capabilities. Bianco stressed that if safety in schools, parks, and even grocery stores isn’t guaranteed, families will continue to leave the state. “And that’s why California has lost residents for the last five years in a row,” he noted, reflecting a broader concern about community safety.
California’s immigration laws, in Bianco’s view, also exacerbate the situation. He criticized the policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from applying resources to federal immigration law enforcement. He claimed this results in a situation where illegal immigrants are given what he sees as unfair benefits at taxpayers’ expense, which has led to growing frustration among residents, even those who typically lean Democratic.
With 52 law enforcement endorsements backing his campaign, including from major organizations like the Peace Officer Research Association of California, Bianco claims law enforcement is at the forefront of pushing for change. He articulated a desire for “integrity and transparency” and called for experienced legal professionals to tackle corruption and crime effectively.
While Newsom’s administration touts investments in crime-fighting initiatives, including a sizable amount aimed at boosting local policing efforts, Bianco remains critical. Newsom’s rhetoric insists that crime rates are falling, but it remains to be seen how this narrative holds up amidst shifting public sentiments and emerging election dynamics.
