Ex-UFC Star Dan Henderson Makes Shocking Move: Why He's Backing Chad Bianco for Governor!

In a surprising turn of events, former UFC fighter Dan Henderson has officially endorsed Chad Bianco, the current sheriff of Riverside County, as he launches his campaign for the California gubernatorial race in 2026. This endorsement, shared with Fox News Digital, marks a significant moment in a political landscape that has become increasingly polarized. Bianco, running as a Republican, is currently leading in polls against both Republican challenger Steve Hilton and Democratic frontrunner Katie Porter.

Henderson's support for Bianco stems from the sheriff's controversial decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Bianco famously refused to enforce California's stay-at-home orders and mask mandates, a move that resonated with many Californians who felt constrained by the state's strict regulations. Henderson praised Bianco's approach, stating, "It was kind of a blessing that he didn't shut everything down as long as we were being responsible." He continued, emphasizing the potential economic fallout had Bianco complied with the governor's orders: "A lot of business owners would have gone out of business, and maybe even worse, as far as losing a lot of the things that they had."

As a lifelong California resident, Henderson has witnessed a shift in the state that has prompted many of his friends to leave for states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. He expressed his concerns about the current state of California under Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic leadership, addressing several key grievances that resonate with many voters.

Key Issues Facing California

One of Henderson's most pressing concerns is the issue of gas prices. He drives a Grenadier, and the current cost to fill up his tank hovers around $100. "We have the highest prices in the country," he lamented, urging the next governor to tap into California's natural oil resources rather than relying on foreign suppliers. "We have a lot of oil under the ground that we're not even using, but we buy everything, and we have a big deficit every year because we're not utilizing our resources."

Henderson also addressed the ongoing migrant crisis, advocating for stricter immigration enforcement. "I think everybody should have to come into our country legally," he stated. He noted that even his friends who are legal immigrants share this view, wishing for a fair immigration process that respects the law.

The treatment of ICE agents in California has also become a contentious topic in recent years. Henderson criticized recent laws enacted by Newsom, which restrict the operations of ICE agents and have led to increased tensions between law enforcement and protesters. "It's ridiculous that they're having to deal with, some of their biggest problems are coming from our citizens, from some on the left," he remarked, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement when trying to keep the community safe.

Another point of contention for Henderson is the issue of transgender athletes competing in girls' sports. Current California education policy allows biological males to compete in girls' high school sports, a move that many, including Henderson, view as inherently unfair. "It's just not fair to women that train hard to beat other women," he argued, emphasizing that many female athletes feel disadvantaged as a result. Even Newsom has expressed concerns about this issue but has yet to take any decisive action.

Lastly, Henderson criticized Newsom's handling of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, which garnered significant media attention. "He just didn't make sure everything was handled properly," Henderson stated. Newsom had ordered an independent investigation into the failures related to water pressure that hampered firefighting efforts, calling it "deeply troubling." This situation has raised questions about the administration's preparedness in the face of natural disasters, further fueling dissatisfaction among voters.

As Bianco steps into the spotlight for the upcoming gubernatorial campaign, he faces the challenge of addressing these pressing issues that resonate with voters like Henderson. With endorsements from influential figures and a platform focusing on common-sense policies, Bianco aims to present a viable alternative to the current Democratic leadership in California.