Additional Candidates Enter the Race as California Governor’s Contest Heats Up

Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff, is entering the race to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, making him the latest candidate to announce his bid for California’s highest position.

Newsom is wrapping up his second and final term as governor, which will conclude at the end of 2026.

Bianco, a Republican and firm supporter of former President Donald Trump, held a press conference on February 17 in Riverside to proclaim his candidacy, putting an end to months of speculation. He emphasized the need to restore common sense to the state.

“It’s time to elect a leader who can turn this state around. We need someone brave enough to make tough choices and who can stand against the madness of special interests,” Bianco stated to his supporters during the campaign announcement.

“We will bring our message of restoring sanity to every corner of our beautiful state. Our campaign will triumph because it has to. The future of California and America hinge on it.”

Bianco moved to California in 1989 “seeking the California dream.” He married his wife, Denise, purchased a home, and raised a family here.

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Bianco emphasized the necessity of restoring public safety, keeping politics out of schools, and opposing special interests.

“We, as Californians, deserve leadership that genuinely considers the cost of living and takes action,” he remarked to supporters. “We need reliable energy sources when it’s hot, not rolling blackouts. We need adequate water for agriculture and firefighting, and we must provide opportunities to fulfill the California dream.”

“We demand transparency and accountability from our officials. We want taxes reduced. We seek the restoration of sanity and the implementation of common sense,” he added.

As sheriff, Bianco stated he has focused on stabilizing department finances, increasing staff levels, and restoring cooperation with other law enforcement bodies. He was first elected sheriff in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, boasting over 30 years of law enforcement experience.

Bianco also supported Proposition 36, which voters approved in November 2024, to increase penalties for various theft and drug offenses in California.

His candidacy enters a competitive field as he aims to regain a seat that hasn’t been held by a Republican since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s departure in 2011.

In recent years, California voters have predominantly selected Democrats for state leadership roles. The election process here mandates that primary candidates from all parties compete against one another, with the top two then advancing to the general election.

Cloobeck mentioned that meeting Bianco and the other gubernatorial hopefuls influenced his decision to run.

“Sheriff Bianco is a courteous individual, but being nice doesn’t equate to readiness for such responsibilities,” Cloobeck stated to The Epoch Times. “We require proven leadership—specifically, business leadership.”

Growing up in Encino, Cloobeck believes he is the best option for revitalizing the state after observing the other candidates.

“We are facing the consequences of a failed social experiment,” Cloobeck asserted. “Our leadership has let us down and has been out of touch, which is why people have left. We must allow California to flourish as a business-friendly state.”

Cloobeck has owned various businesses in the hospitality industry and appeared in two episodes of the reality show “Undercover Boss,” where he received the highest funding awarded on the show.

In 2007, he transformed Sunterra Corporation into Diamond Resorts International, serving as chairman and CEO. He also chairs the board of the U.S. Corporation for Travel Promotion.

Cloobeck dedicates time to several charitable organizations and has previously chaired the board of the Nevada Cancer Institute. Following the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, he contributed $400,000 to help victims.

Thurmond officially launched his campaign for governor in September 2023.

His mother passed away when he was only six, and his father, after serving in Vietnam, left the family. He and his brother were raised by relatives in poverty and relied on public assistance.

As a social worker, he initiated a social housing program and imparted life skills to juvenile offenders.

Thurmond supports raising the minimum wage, creating jobs that cover living expenses, providing affordable housing, fully funding public education, increasing teacher salaries, removing military-grade weapons from the streets, speeding up the transition to renewable energy, ensuring inclusivity, and enhancing neighborhood safety.

Former Los Angeles Mayor and California’s ex-Speaker of the Assembly Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, also joined the gubernatorial race in July 2024.

In a campaign video, he labeled himself a “problem solver.”

“I am convinced that we can accomplish great things for California because I have previously done so,” Villaraigosa declared. “We face significant challenges, and financial resources alone will not resolve them. We must concentrate on effective solutions.”

As the leader of the state Assembly, Villaraigosa recounted working collaboratively with both parties to balance the state budget, maintaining billions in reserves to prevent cuts to education and public safety.

He also highlighted that he hired 1,000 police officers and reduced gun violence while improving graduation rates.

“My achievements prompted President Obama to recognize me as one of America’s top leaders,” he added.

Another potential candidate, former Vice President Kamala Harris, would likely be the frontrunner if she chooses to run, according to an Emerson College poll.

Former Rep. Katie Porter, who has expressed interest in running for the position, would be in second place with 9 percent, followed by Villaraigosa and Kounalakis in succession. Seventeen percent of voters remained undecided, according to the survey.

The poll was conducted from February 10 to February 11, involving around 1,000 registered voters, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points.