Republican California governor candidate Chad Bianco said he would seek to eliminate property taxes for homeowners who have paid off their homes or reached age 65, arguing that people should not be required to pay the government to remain in their own houses.
Bianco made the remarks in a TikTok video responding to a question about property taxes for retirees and later responded the clip on social media, writing, “If you own your own home you shouldn’t be forced to pay the government to live in it.”
If you own your own home you shouldn't be forced to pay the government to live in it. https://t.co/LtfzY7hFtp
— Sheriff Chad Bianco (@ChadBianco) February 15, 2026
“How would all of you feel if we didn’t have to pay property tax once we paid off our home or once we reached sixty-five years old?” Bianco said in the video. “I think that as your governor, we’ll make sure that both of those things are taken care of.”
The question Bianco was answering referenced concerns about property taxes for retirees and changes to California’s Proposition 13, which limits how much property taxes can rise annually.
@chadbianco Replying to @ruby2024 ♬ original sound – Sheriff Bianco
Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County since 2019, has centered his gubernatorial campaign on crime and public safety, according to Politico. The outlet reported that he plans to frame his 2026 bid around law enforcement issues and opposition to policies championed by Democratic leaders in the state.
California’s governor’s race is expected to be competitive, with multiple candidates from both parties seeking to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026. Under the state’s top-two primary system, the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party.
An internal poll released by Democratic candidate Eric Swalwell’s campaign in February showed Bianco with 21% support among likely primary voters, compared with 18% for Swalwell and 17% for Republican Steve Hilton, according to a memo from EMC Research linked in Swalwell’s campaign’s release.
BREAKING: REPUBLICAN SHERIFF CHAD BIANCO LEADS NEWEST CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL POLL
— Sheriff Chad Bianco (@ChadBianco) February 9, 2026
California is sick of the crime and corruption that has come from one-party rule. It ends now. pic.twitter.com/bDFLZKLIBZ
Bianco has gained statewide attention for his criticism of Democratic policies on crime and immigration and for his support of former President Donald Trump, Politico reported. He has also promoted Proposition 36, a ballot measure that increased penalties for certain drug and theft crimes.
Bianco’s campaign website describes him as the 14th sheriff of Riverside County and a Republican candidate for governor. His office did not immediately respond to a request for details on how his proposed property tax changes would be implemented or funded.
