By Michael Katz | Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 9:50 p.m. EDT
Republican gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco on Tuesday released his first television advertisement, vowing to eliminate California’s income tax, protect girls’ sports, and crack down on crime if elected.
Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County, is polling second behind fellow Republican Steve Hilton in California’s June 2 primary. The top two finishers, regardless of party, will advance to the general election in November.
“Typical politicians don’t have the guts to tackle our big problems,” Bianco said in the ad. “As sheriff, I’ve deported drug traffickers. I’ve locked up murderers and those who prey on our children and our seniors.”
“As your governor, I’ll eliminate the state income tax, protect girls’ sports, and put child molesters away for life with no parole,” he added. “I’m Chad Bianco, and I’m running for governor because California needs a leader tough enough to stand up for us.”
An Emerson College poll released on April 16 showed Hilton leading at 16.6%, followed by Bianco at 14.4%. Democrats Tom Steyer (14.1%), Xavier Becerra (10.4%), and Katie Porter (10.3%) trailed in the survey, which was the first taken since former Representative Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race and resigned from Congress amid allegations of sexual assault.
KXTV in Sacramento reported Monday that another poll, the California Democratic Party Voter Index Survey, showed Hilton at 16% and Bianco at 14%, with Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer tied for third at 13%. Katie Porter trailed at 10%.
California has not elected a Republican governor since 2006, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was reelected to his second term.
Michael Katz has over 30 years of experience in journalism.
