The Sheriff Who Buckled Under Pressure

From Saddle-Strong to Knee-Bent Betrayal

The Sheriff Who Buckled Under Pressure—Daring to Seek California’s Top Seat in an Era of Unyielding Heat

Californians often see California’s struggles—high costs, homelessness, and economic pressures—as an unavoidable reality. But it’s not inevitable; it’s the product of leadership choices that have fallen short. This brings me to reflect on Sheriff Chad Bianco, whose actions during the turbulent protests of 2020 raise important questions about resilience under pressure, even as I recognize the complexities of those moments and leave room for growth and clarity.

As we look back, it’s worth remembering the chaos of that time—the “summer of love” marked by unrest across the nation following George Floyd’s tragic death. Many leaders, including sheriffs and police chiefs, faced impossible decisions in heated standoffs. Some chose gestures aimed at de-escalation, hoping to bridge divides—but in doing so, they often fanned the flames of divisive narratives, such as the misrepresentation that police actions, rather than other factors like a fentanyl overdose, were solely to blame for Floyd’s death. Sheriff Bianco was one of them. On June 1, 2020, just days after Floyd’s death, he and his deputies took a knee during a protest in downtown Riverside, amid a crowd of thousands facing off against law enforcement. Reports from outlets like ABC7 and FOX LA described it as a show of solidarity to ease tensions and prevent escalation.

Video footage shows the moment: Bianco kneeling with his team as the crowd responds positively, with no visible signs of prayer, spirituality, or religious gestures—just a direct response to the protesters’ calls. In the heat of the moment, Bianco emphasized the right to peaceful protest while vowing to enforce the law against any violence or property damage. Yet, by kneeling in this context, it contributed to legitimizing a narrative that fueled nationwide chaos, emboldening unrest rather than fully quelling it.

The romanticized campaign imagery of Sheriff Chad Bianco as a tough, cowboy-hat-wearing lawman saddled on horseback evokes a mythic Western hero riding tall against chaos, yet it starkly contrasts with his 2020 decision to take a knee alongside Black Lives Matter protesters on the actual streets of Riverside, a gesture of solidarity that revealed a more conciliatory side amid national unrest.

Watch Sheriff Bianco, in his own words, describe the event.

Later, in various settings, including churches, Bianco has reportedly reframed this as a moment where he was tricked into kneeling for prayer with protest leaders, not as submission or solidarity. However, the contemporary videos and his immediate post-event statements, such as in interviews the next day, testify to a different account—one focused on de-escalation and support, without mention of prayer. While some see discrepancies in how it’s been recounted, I believe there’s space for honest reflection here. If it was indeed a prayerful act or a tactical choice to maintain peace, owning that fully—reconciling the evolving narrative with the original footage and explanations—could rebuild trust. It’s not too late for transparency, and true leadership often involves acknowledging tough calls and learning from them.

As Bianco now runs for governor, these questions linger: Does this reflect the unyielding strength California needs against entrenched challenges like cronyism, high taxes, and failing policies?

Sheriff Bianco, who has served Riverside County through trying times, is asking us to trust him to confront California’s deepest crises: soaring poverty, unemployment, homelessness, housing costs, taxes, energy prices, and a stifling business climate. These are battles against powerful interests—unions, elites, and one-party dominance—that demand iron resolve. If past moments suggest any hesitation under pressure, or if reframing them fans further division, is this the best we can aim for, or can we seek leadership with a proven track record of standing firm? That’s the conversation we need.

Of course, we must always allow for repentance, second chances, and the possibility that good intentions were at play. In the end, God knows the heart behind decisions like these, and it’s not my place to condemn but to encourage better paths forward. For those unaware of this history, on the fence, or simply focused on other priorities, no one is perfect, and the goal is progress for all Californians.

In my view, strong, principled leadership is essential to reversing California’s decline—tackling homelessness, infrastructure, education, and the exodus of families and businesses. Weak spots in resolve can compound problems; true leaders stand tall amid adversity. That’s why, while I respect Bianco’s service and would rally behind him should he advance in the top-two primary system, I strongly believe Steve Hilton offers the edge and integrity we need right now.

Hilton brings a battle-tested populist vision, honed from winning against tough odds in the UK with David Cameron. He’s not just talking points; he’s solutions-oriented, with the backbone to challenge the deeply entrenched establishment.

Where questions about bending under pressure persist for Bianco, Hilton has consistently fought elites. He will continue to do so, diving deep into issues with a unifying 80/20 vision to make California stronger. One way or another, whether it’s Hilton leading the charge or uniting behind the top conservative in November, I look forward to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with all of you to pull our state back from the brink. Is this the best we have, or can we aim higher? Let’s choose wisely and move forward together.