GOP gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco receives major endorsement from the California State Sheriffs’ Association in the tight 2026 race.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco has been endorsed by the California State Sheriffs’ Association, in a letter first obtained by the California Courier.
With the state’s June jungle primary drawing near, Bianco has held one of the top spots in polls for the 2026 governor’s race alongside fellow Republican Steve Hilton and Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell. In the letter sent to the GOP candidate, the CSSA officially confirmed its endorsement. (RELATED: Michael Gates Blasts Bonta For Trying To Shut Down Sheriff Bianco’s 45K Prop 50 Probe)
“On behalf of the California State Sheriff’s Association (CSSA), we are pleased to endorse your candidacy for Governor of California. You are welcome to use our name in your campaign literature or other venues you deem appropriate,” the letter states.
The California State Sheriffs’ Association (CSSA), founded in 1894, represents all 58 elected sheriffs in the state and serves as their unified voice on public safety issues. The endorsement for Bianco is not surprising, given that he is the elected sheriff of Riverside County.
However, it does come after both Swalwell and Bianco received endorsements from the California Police Chiefs Association.
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California’s jungle primary election, which will open to voters on June 2, allows all candidates regardless of party affiliation to appear on one ballot. The top two finishers advance to the general election in November.
Polls remain tight between the top two Republicans and Swalwell, with both parties appearing split on their frontrunner. The California Republican Party has yet to endorse a candidate before the primary, and Democrats failed to select an official leader during their state party convention in February.
According to Real Clear Politics’ average of the governor’s race polls, Hilton holds 14.7%, Swalwell sits at 13.7% and Bianco at 13%.
However, an Independent Voter News poll conducted Feb. 13-20 among high-propensity voters showed Bianco in the lead at 23.29%, with Swalwell at 17.89% and Hilton at 14.95%.
For years California voters have grappled with major issues including homelessness, crime and the high cost of living. In a Public Policy Institute of California statewide survey released in February, 54% of adults and 52% of likely voters said they believe the state is headed in the wrong direction.
Moreover, 70% of Democrats believe the state is going in the right direction, while 90% of Republicans and 62% of independents disagree. When asked about top issues, Californians were far more likely to name the cost of living, the economy or inflation than any other topic, according to PPIC.
