Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and fierce critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), is emerging as a leading contender in California’s crowded gubernatorial race, where a roster of Democratic hopefuls has struggled to impress.  

Bianco has pitched himself as the law-and-order conservative on a ticket jam-packed with candidates hoping to succeed Newsom, who will be termed out of office and is eyeing a 2028 presidential run.