Civil war declared as Chad Bianco torches Republican gubernatorial rival Steve Hilton, despite lagging in the polls

A bitter GOP civil war is erupting in California’s governor race with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco torching Republican rival Steve Hilton’s campaign as a “full-blown lie” and claiming he’s been “bought and paid for” by Democrats.

In a blistering video message Tuesday, Bianco flatly demanded Hilton quit the race as the two Republicans battle to survive California’s jungle primary system and snag a spot in November’s general election.

“Hey Steve, it’s Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, your next governor. Steve, it is time for you to drop out. Your campaign has already failed,” Bianco said.

“It failed in January. You ran out of money last month. You are now being propped up and funded by Democrats.”

The sheriff accused Democratic operatives and super PACs of quietly boosting Hilton because they see the former Fox News host as an easier opponent than the tough-talking lawman.

Unlike others in this race, for me this campaign isn’t a vanity project or an audition for a new Fox News show. It’s about saving California.

This is my home. California deserves a pro-life, pro second amendment governor. I’m the only option. pic.twitter.com/V2wbGrHzPk

— Sheriff Chad Bianco (@ChadBianco) May 20, 2026

“Democrats and Democrat super PACs are spending a fortune running your campaign,” Bianco charged.

Bianco also revived attacks tied to reports involving Hilton’s name appearing in documents connected to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“Conveniently, one day after you were named in the Epstein files, the career political strategist went to work,” Bianco said. “You immediately started spending all your money attacking me with pay-to-play influencers, social media bots, and a dishonest smear campaign.”

The escalating feud comes after Hilton publicly urged Bianco to suspend his longshot campaign in order to consolidate Republican support behind a single candidate capable of reaching the general election.

“Chad, let’s do this for the sake of the state we both love,” Hilton wrote in a recent opinion piece for The California Post .

“The numbers don’t lie: You can’t win, but your continued presence in the race means that California could lose — big time. The power to avoid that is in your hands.”

But Bianco refused to back down, insisting Hilton would get steamrolled by any Democrat in November.

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“In no world, no world does Steve Hilton beat a Democrat in November. Gavin Newsom knows it,” Bianco said.

“Democrat candidates know it. And Steve, you know it.”

A recent poll published by the California Democratic Party showed Democrat Xavier Becerra leading the crowded field with 21% support, while Hilton narrowly edged ahead at 22%. Bianco lagged behind at 10%.

Hilton has pointed to Newsom’s recent comments about a “break the glass” strategy designed to prevent two Republicans from advancing to November.

Bianco, however, cast himself as the outsider threat Sacramento fears most.

“In the world of dirty politics, dirty politicians join forces to eliminate the real threat to politics as usual,” he said.

“Drop out, Steve. Real Californians, hardworking Californians demand it.”