Riverside County's Republican Sheriff Chad Bianco on Monday announced he was entering the race to succeed term limited California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, in 2026.

Bianco, a tough-on-crime candidate, was a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump last year, and has been highly critical of Newsom and his allies when it comes to crime and punishment. 

He also played a major role in getting California's Proposition 36 passed last year, which mandates longer sentences and harsher penalties on certain drug and theft crimes, like possession of a hard drug, which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the person's criminal background.

Bianco made the announcement in Riverside, California, which is located approximately 50 miles Southeast of Los Angeles.

"As Californians we want leadership that actually cares about the cost of living …and leaders who will do something about it," Bianco said, according to Fox News. "I am running for Governor because our beautiful state – which I absolutely love – is heading down the wrong track and has been for years. Everyone knows it, except those sitting in the Sacramento echo chamber."

The sheriff, who was elected in 2018, said politicians in the state's capital are trying to implement the "same failed policies" and are trying the "same failed ideas," and that the state needs a leader who would help Californians succeed.

"We want homes we can afford," he said, addressing the state's housing crisis. "We want air conditioning when it's hot, not rolling blackouts. We want water for the crops and animals that feed us. We want the opportunity to achieve the California Dream, not be prevented from it because of red tape and regulation from government. We want honesty and transparency from our elected officials ... We want sanity restored and common sense to prevail."

The news comes after the sheriff first teased a potential 2026 bid last year. But it's been nearly 20 years since a Republican won the state's highest office. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is the Golden State's most recent Republican governor. 

Conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Trump aide Richard Grenell are also reportedly considering running for the Republican nomination next year, but neither have officially announced.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.