Sacramento – Californians are waiting to hear if two more powerful Democrats will jump into the 2026 governor race (former vice president and presidential candidate Kamala Harris and former lawmaker Katie Porter) When the first Republican Major decided to take the plunge.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a loyal to President Trump and an antagonist of the Democratic government of Gavin Newsom, will officially make his campaign Monday at Shindig in downtown Riverside. The news was leaked last week. Because that’s how things roll in politics.

California voters have not elected Republican governors since Arnold Schwarzenegger won his second term in 2006. In fact, since 2006, the Republicans have not won statewide races. Republicans also surpass the 2-1 margin of Democrat voters.

So, Bianco’s chances aren’t slim, right? perhaps. but, As Chuck Berry, the legendary rock and roll, eloquently said: You can never say. (Bruce Springsteen) Cool improvisation version of that song. )

This is Phil Willon, assistant editor of the Times Sacramento Bureau, standing with columnist George Skeleton this week. I’ve featured the last two races of the California governor, and while trying to avoid predictions, I feel that the 2026 race will soon be really interesting.

New Sheriff in the town

So far, no other well-known Republicans have been in the race, so Bianco has been able to squeal the 2026 primary and reach the November election. Democrats already have a big field of top-notch candidates without Harris or Porter, and will likely destroy the Democratic vote.

The coming months may be interesting as speculation is flooded with other GOP candidates who may join Bianco. Among them are conservative commentators Steve Hilton and Richard “Rick” Grenell. He served as Germany’s ambassador during Trump’s first term.

Republicans have been better than Democrats in signing up for new voters over the past two years. Additionally, Trump was better in California in November than he did in the 2020 or 2016 presidential elections. Don’t get carried away as he still lost to Harris with over 3 million votes.

The biggest advantage of Bianco may be that the badge is secured to his chest.

In November, California voters sent a strong responsibilities on democratically-led criminal justice reforms defended over the past decade. They overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36. This is a vote measure that cracks down on theft crimes and the use of the deadly drug fentanyl. Even in liberal Los Angeles County, voters have expelled progressive distress. Atty. George Gascon was elected on the Reform and Recovery Justice Platform.

Support for Prop. 36 is an issue seized by Republicans and law enforcement leaders amid growing concerns about crime, homelessness and drug use in the state. Among them is Bianco. Newsom and other top Democrats opposed the measure.

“For the past 30 years, I have done everything I can to keep my community safe by arresting criminals, putting them in prison and not keeping them out of their neighborhoods. The past five years have passed. , I was very critical of the governor cutting the budget from the revision, putting prisoners out early and closing prisons.”

It’s just a snippet of what Bianco said in last year’s Instagram post When he announced Trump’s approval for the president. Expect to hear more along the lines from him. Also, expect the Democratic candidate to use his relationship on Trump (while generally still very unpopular across California).

And Bianco has connections with the Sold Keeper, a far-right rebel group whose members participated in the Pro-Trump rebellion at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Data leaks apparently in 2014 he was a member of the organization. Bianco later said, like many other law enforcement officials, he halted his membership because he felt the organization “has not been offering anything to me.”

San Francisco change

Times reporter Hannah Wyley made an interesting dispatch from the Bay Area. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lully has won an early crusade against the crisis of twins in the city’s homelessness and fentanyl addiction, signing off from a committee of supervisors to delay the expansion of shelter capabilities and treatment programs. There have been bureaucratic hurdles, and more Leaway pursue private funds to help fund these initiatives.

This measure, the Fentanyl Emergency Ordinance, will visually reduce homeless encampments and outdoor drug use within six months of office, by adding 1,500 shelter beds and expanding action and spirit. marks Lurie’s first major step in fulfilling the campaign promise. Medical services.

The pledge accused moderate Democrat and political newcomer Lurie of allowing fellow homelessness, addiction, retail and property crimes to the incumbent London variety and three other city halls. helped Lurie win the November election against veterans.

What else should I read?

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TK: Gavin Newsom, Donald Trump and the Art of Contracts
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