Chad Bianco

Chad Bianco
Official portrait, 2025
14th Sheriff-Coroner of Riverside County
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 7, 2019
Preceded byStanley Sniff
Personal details
Born (1967-10-09) October 9, 1967[1][2]
Hill Air Force Base, Utah, U.S.
PartyRepublican
SpouseDenise Bianco
Children4
EducationCollege of Eastern Utah
University of Utah
Columbia Southern University (BS)
WebsiteOffice website
Campaign website
Police career
DepartmentRiverside Sheriff
Service years1993–present
RankSheriff

Chad Bianco (born October 8, 1967)[3][1][2] is an American law enforcement officer, who has served as sheriff of Riverside County, California, since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, Bianco has been affiliated with the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association and Oath Keepers.[4][5][6][7] He is a candidate for governor of California in the 2026 election.[8]

Early life and education

Bianco was born on on October 9, 1967, at the Hill Air Force Base in Utah.[9] He has two younger brothers.[9]

Bianco moved from Utah to California in 1989,[10] and in 1993 attended the San Bernardino Sheriff's Academy. He graduated at the top of his class, and joined the Riverside County Sheriff's Department shortly after graduation.[9]

Career

Bianco first ran for sheriff in 2014, but was unsuccessful.[10]

Sheriff of Riverside County

Bianco was first elected Riverside County sheriff in 2018.[11] He was re-elected in 2022 with about 60% of votes for a term set to last until 2028 due to a state law changing sheriff election years to match presidential ones.[12][13] Bianco has been hosted on Fox News, as well as by conservative pastors on YouTube channels and podcasts.[12] As of 2023, Bianco's department had over 3,600 employees and was managing five jails.[14]

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bianco stated that he would not enforce Coronavirus mandates and did not plan to get vaccinated.[15][16] He tested positively for the virus in January 2021 with mild symptoms, after which he started quarantining at his home.[16]

Political Affiliations: He was a dues-paying member of the Oath Keepers and provided cash donations to the group. ( https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/chad-bianco-oath-keeper-california-sheriff-1238177/) 

 - Inconsistency and Dishonesty: While he knelt in solidarity with BLM, he later falsely claimed he was kneeling in prayer despite video evidence to the contrary.(https://abc7.com/post/riverside-county-sheriff-takes-a-knee-in-solidarity-with-protesters/6226850/
 - Administrative Failure: His department has the lowest closure rate for Part 1 property crimes in California, performing at less than 25% of the overall average.(https://www.cjcj.org/reports-publications/fact-sheet/the-sheriff-with-californias-worst-crime-solving-record-is-running-for-governor
 - Legal and Ethical Issues: Investigated by California Attorney General: Theinvestigation sought to determine whether RCSO has engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing amid deeply concerning allegations relating to conditions of confinement in its jail facilities, excessive force, and other misconduct.(https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-launches-civil-rights-investigation-riverside-county
 - Nepotism: Following his election in 2019, his brother Michael received a promotion to Lieutenant over more qualified candidates, resulting in a 33% compensation increase in a single year.(https://theievoice.com/keeping-it-real-bianco-ignored-department-rules-and-promoted-brother-wheres-the-accountability/

- Campaign Illegality: Bianco has been sued for sheriff's using of the uniform and badge during campaign events and media interviews. This is a violation of California Government Code 3206. That law, addressing political activities of public employees, indeed states: "No officer or employee of a local agency shall participate in political activities of any kind while in uniform."https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/nation/california/2025/09/09/chad-bianco-campaign-governor-lawsuit-riverside-county-sheriff/86044296007/

In 2022, Riverside County jails registered 18 inmate deaths, the biggest number in 15 years. The spike prompted multiple civil lawsuits against the county's prison facilities and Bianco himself.[17][18][19] In 2023, Bianco's department was placed under investigation by the California Department of Justice to determine if the organization had "engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing amid deeply concerning allegations relating to conditions of confinement in its jail facilities, excessive force, and other misconduct."[20][21] In relation to those incidents, Bianco stated that "every single one of these inmate deaths was out of anyone's control".[17]

Bianco was awarded the 2023 Sheriff Award by the conservative think tank the Claremont Institute.[13]

In 2025, Bianco's handling of the arrest of Vem Miller near a Donald Trump rally led to a $100 million federal lawsuit against him and Riverside County, with Miller alleging defamation and civil rights violations after Bianco claimed the arrest thwarted a potential assassination attempt.[22][23] The lawsuit was later dismissed; Miller was ordered in January 2026 to complete a gun-safety course and 40 hours of community service by a county judge.[24]

In September 2025, a female college student was arrested by California State University, San Marcos police, after making online death threats against Bianco. She posted bail one day after her arrest. Bianco described the threat as "sickening", and called on elected politicians to condemn political violence and "cool the temperature".[25]

2026 gubernatorial campaign

Bianco announced his run for Governor of California in the 2026 California gubernatorial election on February 17, 2025, becoming the first major Republican to enter the race.[8][26][27]

On February 21, Bianco attended a press conference in San Diego with Republican leaders to promote State Senate Republican Minority Leader Brian Jones' proposed bill SB554 to weaken the California Senate Bill 54 of 2017 that limits law enforcement's ability to cooperate with ICE.[28][29]

Political positions

Bianco has portrayed himself as a law and order candidate, and supported Proposition 36.[30]

In June 2020, Bianco showed support for Black Lives Matter and knelt with protestors, during the George Floyd protests.[31]

Personal life

Bianco and his wife Denise live in Woodcrest, California;[10] they attend Sandals Church in Riverside.[10] He is married and has children and grandchildren.

Following a hacking incident in September 2021 against a database belonging to the Oath Keepers, Bianco, along with over 200 law-enforcement officers, was exposed as a former member of the organization.[4][11][32] He later stated that he had paid for a $40 one-year membership in the organization in 2014 and did not renew it for the next year. Bianco has since disavowed the group's violent conduct.[33][4][5]

References

  1. ^ a b "Happy Birthday to Sheriff Chad Bianco! Thank you for your lifetime of dedication to public safety, leadership, and service to our community. Your commitment inspires us all to stand a little taller and give a little more. Wishing you a day filled with appreciation, good company, and God's continued blessing". www.instagram.com. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Riverside - Happy Birthday to our Sheriff, Chad Bianco! @sheriffbianco No matter how busy the schedule or how heavy the load, you always show up for your people and for this county. Thanks for leading from the front and setting the standard every single day. #HappyBirthday #RiversideSheriff | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  3. ^ "Meet Chad | Chad Bianco for California Governor". February 16, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c "California sheriff admits he once was member of far-right Oath Keepers group linked to Capitol rioters". The Washington Post. October 7, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Ingrassia, Jake (October 6, 2021). "Sheriff Chad Bianco paid membership dues to the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group". KESQ. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  6. ^ "Riverside County sheriff acknowledges he was dues-paying member of Oath Keepers". Daily News. October 5, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  7. ^ "Sheriff's Tie To Oath Keepers Condemned By County Supervisor". Palm Desert, CA Patch. October 7, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Sharp, Julie (February 17, 2025). "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco announces run for California governor - CBS Los Angeles". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c Joseph, Brian (May 23, 2025). "Better know a CA gubernatorial candidate: Chad Bianco". Capitol Weekly.
  10. ^ a b c d Horseman, Jeff (February 18, 2025). "5 things to know about Chad Bianco, Republican candidate for California governor". The Press-Enterprise.
  11. ^ a b "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco acknowledges he was dues-paying member of Oath Keepers in 2014". ABC7 Los Angeles. October 6, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco isn't backing down in second term". Press Enterprise. January 10, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Wilson, Jason (November 6, 2023). "Far-right US thinktank to give award to extremist sheriff leading 'disaster' office". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  14. ^ "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco sworn in for second term". Press Enterprise. January 5, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  15. ^ "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco's refusal to enforce coronavirus orders gets national attention". Press Enterprise. December 18, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco tests positive for coronavirus, says symptoms are mild". Press Enterprise. January 28, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Janapati, Spandana (January 16, 2024). "With the rise of civil lawsuits against Riverside County, Sheriff Bianco's response elicits concern". Highlander. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  18. ^ "Riverside County sheriff faces another lawsuit over inmate death". KTLA. January 3, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  19. ^ Damien, Christopher (October 31, 2023). "Amid jail deaths and lawsuits, groups urge Riverside County supervisors to rein in sheriff". The Desert Sun. Palm Springs, California. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  20. ^ "Governor Chad Bianco? That's a really bad idea". Orange County Register. April 21, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  21. ^ "California Department of Justice opens needed investigation into troubled Riverside County Sheriff's Department". Orange County Register. February 23, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  22. ^ "Defamation Lawsuit Filed Against Sheriff Bianco". www.nbcpalmsprings.com. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  23. ^ "New defamation lawsuit filed against Sheriff Bianco over 'assassination' comment". Press Enterprise. March 11, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  24. ^ "Gun charge against man arrested outside Trump rally in Coachella headed toward dismissal". Press-Enterprise. February 16, 2026.
  25. ^ Rokos, Brian (September 30, 2025). "College student accused of threatening life of Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco". The Press-Enterprise.
  26. ^ "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to announce run for California governor | abc7.com". abc7.com. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
  27. ^ Service • •, City News (February 17, 2025). "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco announces run for governor". NBC Los Angeles. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
  28. ^ Black, Abbie (February 21, 2025). "State Senate minority leader proposes overhaul of California's 'sanctuary state' law". cbs8.com. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
  29. ^ Jones, Senator Brian. "Senate Minority Leader Jones Leads Effort to Overhaul California's Sanctuary State Law | Senator Brian Jones". sr40.senate.ca.gov. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
  30. ^ "In the race for governor, Steve Hilton has a new target: fellow Republican Chad Bianco". The Press-Enterprise. February 7, 2026.
  31. ^ Rodriguez, Sal (February 13, 2026). "The knee that continues to haunt Chad Bianco — but really shouldn't". The Press-Enterprise.
  32. ^ Seidman, Lila (October 7, 2021). "Riverside County sheriff was once a member of an extremist group with ties to the Jan. 6 insurrection". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
  33. ^ Damien, Christopher (October 6, 2021). "Sheriff Bianco defends his past Oath Keeper membership as some call for his resignation". The Desert Sun. Palm Springs, California. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
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