Riverside County, California sheriff Chad Bianco announces his 2026 Republican campaign for governor, in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, in Riverside, California, on Feb. 17, 2025. (Chad Bianco campaign)
"When Gavin Newsom closed businesses, schools, and churches, one person stood against him, Sheriff Chad Bianco," Gracie told Fox News Digital.
"Chad Bianco didn’t fold. He’s a fighter, and a fighter is exactly who we need as Governor of California," he added, saying, "We need his strength to turn this state around after the mess Gavin Newsom has created."
Bianco, who is a vocal Trump supporter and the sheriff of Riverside County, just east of Los Angeles, announced his gubernatorial candidacy back in February, saying, "Californians deserve better."
He has framed his candidacy around restoring safety and a better quality of life to California.
"This campaign will not be about the divide between Republicans and Democrats. It will be about the common goal we all have for a better California," Bianco emphasized at his campaign launch.
"As Californians, we want leadership that actually cares about the cost of living …and leaders who will do something about it," Bianco said in his address. "We want homes we can afford. We want air conditioning when it's hot, not rolling blackouts. We want water for the crops and animals that feed us. We want the opportunity to achieve the California Dream, not be prevented from it because of red tape and regulation from government. We want honesty and transparency from our elected officials. We want lower taxes and less government waste. We want sanity restored and common sense to prevail."
PELOSI SPOKESMAN SIDESTEPS RETIREMENT RUMORS AS DEM PRIMARY THREATS WAIT IN WINGS
Republican Sheriff Chad Bianco (left) received an endorsement from UFC legend Royce Gracie (right) for California governor. (Images courtesy of Chad Bianco Campaign)
Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary under the Biden administration and former California attorney general, is also running for the Democratic nomination.
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The Democratic and Republican primaries will be held on June 2 next year and the general election will be on Nov. 3.
Peter Pinedo is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ufc-legend-endorses-pro-law-enforcement-pick-california-governor-need-his-strength