Skip to content

Chad Bianco's tough-on-crime campaign shakes up California's governor race

A polarizing sheriff's rise in California's governor race exposes deep divides over crime and policing. His Trump-aligned platform sparks fierce debate—and growing support.

The image shows a screenshot of Paul Gosar's Twitter account, with a profile photo of him and text...
The image shows a screenshot of Paul Gosar's Twitter account, with a profile photo of him and text that reads "We can not tolerate voter fraud in Arizona".

Chad Bianco's tough-on-crime campaign shakes up California's governor race

Chad Bianco, a candidate in California’s gubernatorial race, has gained attention for his hardline stance on crime. The Riverside County Sheriff, endorsed by Republican Rep. Ken Calvert, is polling above 10% with a campaign closely aligned to former President Trump’s policies. His approach has sparked both support and controversy. Bianco’s campaign centres on a tough-on-crime platform, targeting theft, drug offences, and harsher sentencing. He has repeatedly criticised 'Democrat policies' and accused the media of bias, claiming crime statistics have been manipulated to undermine law enforcement. His proposals include expanding detention centres and increasing deportations of immigrant offenders.

During his time as sheriff, state data shows a rise in violent crime under his leadership. His department also cleared fewer reported crimes compared to other sheriff’s offices. In 2022, Bianco made headlines after seizing over 650,000 election ballots in a fraud investigation that yielded no evidence of wrongdoing.

Rep. Ken Calvert’s endorsement highlights Bianco’s appeal among conservative voters. His campaign rhetoric mirrors Trump’s law-and-order messaging, focusing on stricter policing and reduced oversight of law enforcement agencies. Bianco’s candidacy reflects a growing push for stricter criminal justice policies in California. With his polling numbers climbing, his proposals on crime and immigration will likely remain central to the race. The outcome could influence how the state addresses law enforcement and public safety in the coming years.

Read also:

Latest