FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Neighbors from across the San Joaquin Valley questioned a gubernatorial candidate during a town hall in Fresno, on Saturday, Jan. 3,
Sheriff Chad Bianco, a candidate for California governor, held a town hall alongside Sheriff Margaret Mims, who is running for Fresno District Four County Supervisor.
Bianco, a conservative with over 30 years of law enforcement service in Riverside, emphasized his non-political stance and commitment to bringing “common sense” back to California.
“We will be the greatest state in the country again,” Bianco said. “We will have the best resources and natural resources that manage it and basically common sense and good is coming back to California.”
Bianco addressed several issues, including but not limited to:
Healthcare: “As your governor, you will never have to vaccinate your kids to get them into a school system,” Bianco said. The Second Amendment: “I am under the firm belief that guns don’t commit crimes people do,” Bianco said.Immigration: “Immigration has become a very emotional argument instead of a right and wrong and a legal argument,” Bianco said.
Bianco expressed embarrassment over California’s current state and aimed to unite both parties.
“I’m not looking for the support of the Republicans or independents. I want Californians that are tired of the direction that we’re going,” Bianco said.
Voter Julie Holland, who attended the meeting, expressed her support for Bianco, emphasizing the importance of educating oneself about candidates.
“People that don’t take the time to sort of figure out what’s going on around them, they’re just going to keep voting for the same people with the same letter next to their name just because of that letter next to their name,” Holland said.
Ezekiel Belcher and Ewan Petty, first-time voters in a governor’s race, also voiced their support, seeking a candidate who is “down-to-earth” and “cares.”
“The state does need help,” Belcher said. “Gavin Newsom right now, he’s just tearing this state apart.”
Petty, chapter president of Turning Point USA at Clovis Community College said that he wants to help to bring change to the state.
“Finally being able to have a vote, make an impact on our state, and hopefully change it for the future and better for our future generations,” Petty said.
Bianco criticized current Governor Gavin Newsom and urged Californians to reclaim their government.
“In Sacramento, there is absolutely zero emotional attachment to the decisions that they make,” Bianco said. ““I’m not throwing emotion into it, it’s that I’m throwing common sense reason and the ability to problem solve of everything around me.”