Tito Ortiz Reflects on Leaving California for Family’s Safety
UFC champion Tito Ortiz has always had ties to his hometown of California, specifically Huntington Beach, where he grew up and later took on roles as a city councilman and interim mayor.
However, at 51 years old, Ortiz has decided that it’s not the ideal place to raise his children anymore.
“I really didn’t want to leave California, but I felt I had to because of rising crime and concerns about my kids’ safety. Like so many parents out there, I made the hard choice to move my family to Florida. It wasn’t about looking for opportunities; it was about seeking protection. No one should ever have to abandon their home state just to keep their children safe,” Ortiz shared.
He attributes the troubling environment in California to Governor Gavin Newsom, stating, “Newsom’s failures didn’t start in Sacramento. First, he helped ruin San Francisco, and then those same damaging policies spread throughout the state. The outcomes speak for themselves: increased crime, fraud, and a community where people don’t feel safe. California just can’t go on like this.”
In response to Ortiz’s comments, Newsom’s office said they were unfamiliar with him but wished him well.
Ortiz, also known as the “Bad Boy of Huntington Beach,” is a UFC Hall of Famer and former light heavyweight champion, having held the title from 2000 to 2003, defending it five times before finishing his professional MMA career with a 21-12-1 record.
From his new home, Ortiz is aiming to influence change back in California by endorsing Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for the governor’s race in 2026.
Ortiz’s support for Bianco stems from the sheriff’s reaction to the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Bianco notably refused to enforce certain mandates under Newsom’s orders.
“Sheriff Chad Bianco isn’t a typical politician. He’s shown real leadership,” Ortiz said. “During the pandemic, when Newsom ruled with fear, Bianco stood firm and defended the rights of churches and small businesses.”
“While many just talked, Bianco took action. He chose to stand with the people rather than the political elite. California needs leaders who prioritize restoring law and order and putting families first,” he added.
Ortiz isn’t alone in his support for Bianco; fellow former UFC fighter Dan Henderson also backed him, expressing appreciation for Bianco’s handling of the pandemic response. Henderson remarked on the potential devastation businesses would have faced had the state enacted stricter shutdowns.
Polling data shows Bianco is currently a leading candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race, with Steve Hilton emerging as a significant challenger in the upcoming election cycle.
