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Lara Trump Talks About the Upsurge of Chad Bianco in California’s Gubernatorial Race


Top Points

  • Chad Bianco is currently leading in the California gubernatorial polls: Lara Trump highlighted new polling showing Bianco slightly ahead of other candidates, an unexpected development in a heavily Democratic state.

  • Bianco’s appeal comes from voter frustration with public safety, cost of living, and state leadership: Lara emphasized that Bianco’s background as a sheriff and his law and order messaging appear to resonate with Californians who want major changes.

  • The race remains highly uncertain despite Bianco’s early lead: Lara noted that the open primary system, numerous Democratic candidates, and many undecided voters make the election unpredictable, and Bianco will need sustained momentum to remain competitive.


Full Report:

On a recent episode of My View, Lara Trump turned her attention to the 2026 gubernatorial race in California. She focused on the unexpected momentum behind Republican candidate Sheriff Chad Bianco, assessing his appeal to voters frustrated with the status quo and exploring what it might mean for the state’s political future.


Bianco’s Rise in the Polls

Lara opened by noting recent polling data showing Chad Bianco leading the crowded field vying to succeed outgoing governor Gavin Newsom. According to a UC Berkeley and LA Times poll, Bianco has captured about 13 percent of voter support, putting him narrowly ahead of his closest competitors.


A separate statewide poll commissioned by a Democratic campaign also showed Bianco in first place, indicating that his message is resonating even in a heavily Democratic state. Lara highlighted that Bianco’s rise appears tied to voter dissatisfaction with state leadership, especially regarding public safety, cost of living, and general governance. She noted that many Californians seem ready for a significant shift and are looking for someone they view as a law and order alternative.


Who Chad Bianco Is

Bianco currently serves as the sheriff of Riverside County. He formally declared his run for governor in early 2025, making him the first major Republican candidate to enter the race.

His campaign platform centers on public safety, housing affordability, and reducing regulatory burdens. Lara pointed out that Bianco presents himself as a pragmatic law enforcement figure rather than a career politician, a trait that appears to appeal to voters frustrated with California’s ongoing issues with crime and homelessness.


What Bianco’s Lead Could Mean

During the discussion, Lara emphasized that although Bianco’s lead is narrow and many voters remain undecided, his early standing in the polls has disrupted conventional expectations for a Republican candidate in California. She suggested his rise could reshape the dynamics of the state’s open primary system, where the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election.


She also argued that Bianco’s support indicates a shift among some voters toward law and order, economic pragmatism, and dissatisfaction with current governance. These issues may resonate across party lines given California’s fiscal and social challenges.


Uncertainty Remains

Lara cautioned that the race remains fluid. With several high-profile Democratic candidates still in the field and a large portion of voters undecided, she said it is too early to predict how the race will ultimately unfold. She argued that for Bianco or any candidate to secure victory, they will need to sustain momentum, strengthen voter outreach efforts, and offer credible solutions to California’s longstanding problems.


The segment concluded with Lara noting that California voters, despite the state’s long-standing Democratic lean, may be more open than expected to change if they believe a candidate can deliver practical results.


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