Chad Bianco Refuses Pressure Campaign To Exit California Governor Race
Chad Bianco is refusing calls from fellow Republicans to drop out of California’s governor race, escalating tensions inside the GOP as conservatives battle over strategy ahead of the state’s June 2 primary election.
Bianco pushed back forcefully this week after former Fox News host Steve Hilton publicly urged him to suspend his campaign in order to consolidate Republican support behind a single candidate.
Hilton argued that Bianco’s continued presence in the race could split conservative voters and potentially prevent any Republican from securing one of the top two spots needed to advance to the November general election under California’s jungle primary system.
In a public appeal directed at the sheriff, Hilton wrote, “Chad, let’s do this for the sake of the state we both love.”
“The numbers don’t lie: You can’t win,” Hilton added. “But your continued presence in the race means that California could lose — big time.”
Bianco, however, flatly rejected the pressure campaign and accused California Democrats of quietly boosting Hilton because they view him as an easier opponent in a general election matchup.
“Gavin Newsom and the left are literally funding mailers to ensure that Steve Hilton is their competition,” Bianco wrote on social media.
The sheriff pointed to recent mailers funded by Democratic organizations emphasizing Hilton’s conservative credentials, arguing the effort proves Democrats believe Hilton would lose in November against a Democratic nominee.
“They know a one-on-one with Steve ensures a Democrat win in November,” Bianco claimed.
The escalating feud comes as Republicans attempt to navigate a crowded gubernatorial field while Democrats remain divided among several major candidates.
A recent poll reportedly showed Hilton narrowly leading the primary field with approximately 22% support, followed closely by former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at 21%. Bianco trailed significantly behind with roughly 10% support.
California’s unusual election system advances the top two vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation, raising fears among Republicans that vote splitting could potentially lock the GOP out of the November race entirely.
Hilton also referenced recent comments made by Gov. Gavin Newsom about implementing a “break the glass” strategy to prevent two Republicans from advancing to the general election.
Newsom did not fully explain the strategy publicly but acknowledged efforts were underway behind the scenes to influence the outcome of the primary and avoid a scenario where Democrats could be shut out of the final ballot.
The growing conflict between Hilton and Bianco highlights deeper divisions inside California’s Republican Party as conservatives debate whether to rally behind a more polished statewide candidate or continue backing more populist and law-and-order-focused figures like the Riverside County sheriff.