Story perspectives

California Primary: Hilton and Bianco Lead Amid Controversy

3/24/2026

Center

Hilton and Bianco Compete

The June 2 primary will advance the top two candidates regardless of party.
Polls show Steve Hilton (Republican) and Chad Bianco (Riverside County Sheriff) closely competing with Eric Swalwell (U.S. Representative), Katie Porter (U.S. Representative), Tom Steyer (Democrat and billionaire), and Matt Mahan (Mayor of San Jose).
The California Democratic Party chair urged lesser-known candidates to withdraw.
California's Secretary of State dismissed Chad Bianco's election-fraud allegations, citing public confidence.

Left

Bianco Investigates Ballots

Chad Bianco, Republican sheriff, seized over 650,000 ballots from the 2025 Prop 50 special election to investigate alleged discrepancies.
State officials, including the Democratic attorney general, criticized the move as lacking credible evidence and politically motivated.
The action, despite support for Proposition 50, raises concerns about election interference and mirrors tactics used by the Trump administration.
Both parties fear the investigation could influence future election processes.

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Hilton and Bianco Compete

The June 2 primary will advance the top two candidates regardless of party.
Polls show Steve Hilton (Republican) and Chad Bianco (Riverside County Sheriff) closely competing with Eric Swalwell (U.S. Representative), Katie Porter (U.S. Representative), Tom Steyer (Democrat and billionaire), and Matt Mahan (Mayor of San Jose).
The California Democratic Party chair urged lesser-known candidates to withdraw.
California's Secretary of State dismissed Chad Bianco's election-fraud allegations, citing public confidence.

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