Mixed martial arts legend Royce Gracie is throwing his support behind Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco in California’s gubernatorial race, positioning the law enforcement official as a stark alternative to incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom.
In a newly posted endorsement video, Gracie offered his backing to Bianco’s candidacy. “I know a fighter when I see one. And Sheriff Chad Bianco, he’s the real deal,” Gracie stated in the video. “He’s been on the front line protecting California and standing up for us every single day.”
The endorsement from Gracie carries symbolic weight beyond typical political celebrity backing. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu master became a cultural icon in the 1990s when he dominated the early UFC tournaments, often defeating much larger opponents through technique and determination. His family name remains synonymous with martial arts excellence and the fighting spirit that built mixed martial arts into a mainstream sport.
Bianco has served as Riverside County Sheriff since 2018 and has built a reputation as an outspoken advocate for conservative law enforcement policies in the nation’s most populous state.
“I am going to be on his corner. And I hope you join me,” Gracie continued in his message. “Together, let’s win this fight and make Chad Bianco our next governor.”
The endorsement represents an early salvo in what promises to be a contentious gubernatorial contest. Governor Newsom, who survived a recall attempt in 2021, faces mounting criticism over issues including homelessness, crime rates, and the state’s cost of living—all areas where Bianco has positioned himself as offering contrasting solutions rooted in his law enforcement background.
While Newsom maintains advantages in name recognition and fundraising typical of an incumbent, endorsements from respected figures outside traditional political circles could help challengers like Bianco expand their reach to voters disenchanted with California’s current direction.
