Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has officially entered the race for California governor in 2026. The Republican sheriff, a staunch supporter of former President Trump, announced his candidacy on Monday in Riverside, California, aiming to succeed the term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

Bianco's campaign launch emphasized his commitment to addressing Californians' concerns about the rising cost of living, unreliable utilities, and excessive government regulation. He called for "honesty and transparency" from elected officials, advocating for lower taxes and reduced government spending. He expressed a desire to see "sanity restored and common sense to prevail" in state government.

A vocal critic of Newsom and other Democratic leaders on crime and punishment, Bianco played a key role in the successful passage of Proposition 36, which strengthens penalties for certain drug and theft offenses. He criticized the "failed ideas and failed policies" of the Democratic majority in Sacramento, arguing that the state is "heading down the wrong track."

Bianco, a three-decade veteran of law enforcement, was first elected sheriff in 2018 and has been publicly considering a gubernatorial run since last spring. His entry into the race adds another dimension to the already crowded field of potential candidates vying to succeed Newsom.

California hasn't seen a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger's re-election in 2006. The Democratic field for the 2026 race is already competitive, with potential candidates including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former Representative Katie Porter. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is also considered a potential contender. On the Republican side, former Fox News host Steve Hilton is considering a run, and Richard Grenell, a former Trump administration official, has hinted at a potential bid if Vice President Kamala Harris enters the race.

California's unique primary system, where the top two candidates regardless of party advance to the general election, adds further intrigue to the developing race.