Episode 40 | From the Badge to the Ballot: Chad Bianco’s Fight for California

In this episode of Lo and Order, SEBA Executive Director Lolita Harper sits down with Riverside County Sheriff—and now California gubernatorial candidate—Chad Bianco for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation.

From his early days in undercover narcotics to leading one of California’s largest sheriff’s departments, Bianco shares why he’s trading in a “perfect job” to run for governor. With honesty, grit, and candor, he opens up about leadership, government accountability, and the cost of political apathy—both personal and statewide.

Together, they explore California’s growing exodus, the waste behind the state’s homelessness crisis, and what real reform would look like in Sacramento—from repealing SB 54 to eliminating the state income tax.

Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s certain: Bianco isn’t in this for the title—he’s in it for the people.

 

To learn more about the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, visit: riversidesheriff.org

To learn more about Sheriff Bianco’s gubernatorial campaign, visit: biancoforgovernor.com

 

Topics Covered:

05:00 – From Sheriff to Candidate Bianco reflects on his career, core values, and why he’s stepping up to run for governor.

 

14:30 – Accountability in Law Enforcement and Politics How internal affairs shaped his leadership style—and why Sacramento lacks that same accountability.

 

25:15 – California’s Exodus and Economic Crisis A candid look at rising costs, broken infrastructure, and his bold plan to eliminate the state income tax.

 

35:50 – Tackling Homelessness and Government Waste Why $24 billion later, the system is worse—and how to fix it with transparency and enforcement.

 

49:00 – The Role of Leadership Bianco’s philosophy on leading people, not just departments—and what Sacramento needs now.

 

1:02:00 – Repealing SB 54 and Protecting Communities Why sanctuary policies backfire, and how immigration reform could be both humane and effective.

 

1:15:00 – Campaigns, Smear Tactics, and Staying Grounded Bianco addresses misinformation, attack ads, and staying true to his values in the spotlight.

 

1:27:00 – Passion, Grief, and the Law Enforcement Memorial An emotional reflection on leadership during tragedy—and why that moment changed him forever.

 

1:41:00 – A Message to Voters His final appeal: Why character still matters, and how he hopes to serve all Californians, not just a party.

 

----more----

Learn more about the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA): https://www.seba.com/

SEBA is the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association proudly representing 4,000+ public safety officers in San Bernardino County since 1946

Follow Show Host Lolita Harper:

Instagram

LinkedIn