In announcing bid for governor, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco says the California dream has 'turned into a nightmare' for people struggling with soaring prices.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco officially announced Monday, Feb. 17, that he’ll run for governor in 2026, hoping a campaign centered on fighting crime and targeting Sacramento’s Democratic leadership can overcome questions about his background and recent challenges for Republicans seeking statewide office.

None of California’s governors came from Riverside County. Most holding the state’s highest elected office hailed from Los Angeles or San Francisco, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, who served as San Francisco’s mayor and California lieutenant governor before winning his current job in 2018.