California Democrats changed sheriff election timing to weaken Republican sheriffs, but the move backfired and freed Bianco to run for governor.

• Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco says Sacramento Democrats nicknamed a 2022 law "the Bianco law" after he pushed back against COVID rules.
• Democrats moved sheriff elections to presidential years because more Democrats vote in those cycles than in governor years.
• Bianco sued and a judge ruled the state cannot shorten a constitutionally elected 4-year term, so two years were added instead.
• His term now runs until 2028 instead of 2026, which is the only reason he can run for governor without giving up his sheriff job.

Outlook: Bianco enters the California governor race with his sheriff seat secure, setting up a high-profile Republican challenge in a deep-blue state.