GOP Governor Candidate ‘Very Proud’ Of Affiliation With Far-Right Militia

A candidate for governor in California, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, recently defended his past association with the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group. Bianco, a Republican, expressed pride in his membership with the controversial group during a heated debate with Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa, a former mayor of Los Angeles.

Villaraigosa pointed out Bianco’s ties to the Oath Keepers, known for their involvement in the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. A former spokesperson for the group described them as a violent militia seeking an “armed revolution.”

Despite the scrutiny, Bianco stood by his affiliation with the Oath Keepers but clarified that he no longer considers himself a member. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the constitution and criticized the focus on his past associations.

During the debate, Bianco’s controversial actions as sheriff, including seizing ballots and investigating a ballot count discrepancy, came under scrutiny. His candidacy has raised concerns among leading Democrats in the state, fearing a potential split in the vote that could benefit a Republican candidate in the general election.

When asked about his current status with the Oath Keepers, Bianco stated that he no longer considers himself a member of the group.