Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has launched a bold campaign for California Governor, anchored by a proposal to abolish the state’s income tax in a move he claims will reverse economic decline and restore prosperity.
At a Glance
- Bianco is running for California Governor in 2026, pledging to eliminate the state income tax.
- He argues that the tax cut would draw businesses and residents back to the state.
- California currently taxes top earners at rates up to 13.3%, among the highest in the U.S.
- The proposal faces steep resistance from the state’s Democratic-led legislature.
- Nine U.S. states without income tax are cited as economic models for the plan.
Bianco’s Economic Vision
Chad Bianco, Sheriff of Riverside County, is centering his gubernatorial bid on a sweeping proposal to end California’s state income tax. Bianco argues that eliminating this tax could spark a renaissance for California’s struggling economy by luring back the businesses and individuals who have left due to the high cost of living and heavy tax burden.
He references the success of income tax-free states like Texas and Florida as proof that California could thrive under a similar model. “What a better way to bring all of my friends back, all of the businesses back that have left than to eliminate California’s income tax,” Bianco said, as reported by Fox News.
Watch coverage of Bianco’s tax proposal.
Challenges Ahead in Sacramento
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding his campaign, Bianco’s proposal faces serious legislative challenges. California’s state legislature is controlled by a Democratic supermajority, which historically supports progressive taxation to fund robust social programs.
Under current tax law, California residents pay as much as 13.3% in income taxes, with the median household income around $96,000. Critics argue that eliminating income taxes could gut the state’s revenue, which funds key services such as education, transportation, and healthcare.
Still, Bianco remains confident that political winds may shift. “I believe that our hard workers in California could spend their money far better more than our current government,” he said, in comments reported by KTLA.
A Platform Rooted in Migration Trends
Bianco’s platform taps into growing frustration over California’s economic policies, particularly among middle- and upper-income earners who have relocated to states with lower tax burdens. He calls this trend the “California Exodus” and describes how many of his peers have retired early or moved away in search of better financial conditions.
Citing examples from states without an income tax, Bianco argues that the absence of such a levy could reinvigorate California’s economy without compromising public services—though he has yet to offer a detailed plan to offset lost revenue.
2026 Gubernatorial Landscape
Bianco’s candidacy adds a conservative voice to the 2026 gubernatorial race, potentially challenging a slate of Democratic candidates expected to include Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Rep. Katie Porter. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited, is widely rumored to be considering a presidential bid in 2028, which could reshape the political dynamics of the race.
With recent polls showing a significant portion of California voters open to tax reform, Bianco hopes to capitalize on economic dissatisfaction and pitch himself as the leader to restore what he calls the “California Dream.”
