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Extreme Sports Star Endorses Bianco for California Governor, Criticizes Newsom’s Legacy
Motocross champion and entrepreneur Brian Deegan has publicly endorsed Republican candidate Chad Bianco in the upcoming California gubernatorial race, claiming that Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has destroyed what was once the California dream.
“People used to come to California to try to build their business and chase that dream. And now, people are moving out of California to chase the same dream,” said Deegan, founder of the popular action sports brand “Metal Mulisha.”
Deegan, who has built a substantial reputation in the extreme sports world as a Motocross pioneer, X Games icon, and champion off-road racer, expressed growing concern about California’s direction under the current administration. His endorsement of Bianco, a pro-law enforcement candidate, comes as Newsom approaches the end of his term-limited governorship.
“I came to California to chase my dreams, to be a supercross action sports star and built a great empire within the action sport community,” Deegan explained. “But under Newsom, I’ve seen that dream decline.”
The endorsement highlights growing political divisions in California, where Republicans have struggled to gain statewide office in recent election cycles. Bianco, whose campaign emphasizes law and order policies, represents a stark contrast to Newsom’s progressive agenda.
Among Deegan’s chief concerns is what he characterizes as declining public safety in California neighborhoods. “A lot of places that I’ve lived in California have really gone the wrong way. I’m scared to even have my kids really roam the streets nowadays because how loose they are on the laws and letting criminals get away with almost everything,” Deegan said.
The extreme sports star also criticized Newsom’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the strict lockdown measures implemented throughout the state. “California led the charge on the most extreme lockdowns,” Deegan stated. “Now we look back on it, kind of going, ‘Man, what happened?’ Newsom was way overbearing while he’s out partying, still living the high life, while everyone’s on lockdowns.”
The comment references controversy from November 2020 when Newsom was photographed dining at the exclusive French Laundry restaurant while much of the state remained under strict dining restrictions.
With Newsom unable to seek another term as governor, speculation has grown about his potential presidential ambitions for 2028. When asked about this possibility, Deegan was dismissive: “Bring it on. I think that’s going to make it that much easier for the Republicans to keep that spot. That’d be a tough road, Newsom running for president.”
California, the nation’s most populous state and the world’s fifth-largest economy, faces significant challenges including housing affordability, homelessness, drought management, and economic inequality. The state’s leadership has increasingly become a focal point in national political debates.
“I always kind of wonder how guys that are in power, such as Newsom, like how do they even get in power? Because they don’t really represent the common people that really are the majority of California,” Deegan remarked, reflecting sentiment shared by many conservative Californians.
Deegan believes Bianco represents an opportunity to change California’s trajectory. “There’s been so much damage done. But it’s going to take someone that understands the law, that is not going to bend, has good family values, that could get the state back on track.”
The endorsement comes amid ongoing debates about business regulation, taxation, and crime policy in California, with many business owners and high-net-worth individuals leaving the state in recent years for places with lower taxes and fewer regulations.
When reached for comment on Deegan’s criticism, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom dismissed the endorsement with a one-word response: “Who?”
The gubernatorial race is expected to heat up in the coming months as candidates from both parties position themselves to succeed Newsom when his term ends.
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8 Comments
Deegan’s endorsement of Bianco, a pro-law enforcement candidate, signals that some in the action sports community feel the current administration has fallen short. This could be a significant political development in the California gubernatorial race.
As an influential figure in the action sports community, Deegan’s endorsement of Bianco and his critique of Newsom’s governance could have an impact on the upcoming California gubernatorial election.
As someone who built a successful business in California, Deegan’s perspective on the state’s declining ‘dream’ warrants attention. His endorsement of Bianco could influence action sports fans and others disillusioned with the current administration.
The concerns raised about California’s direction under Newsom are thought-provoking. It will be important to see how voters respond to these criticisms from a respected figure like Deegan as the election approaches.
Deegan’s concerns about the ‘California dream’ diminishing under Newsom’s leadership are thought-provoking. His endorsement of Bianco suggests a desire for a different approach to governing the state.
Deegan’s comments about people leaving California to chase their dreams elsewhere are a sobering assessment of the state’s current business climate. His endorsement of Bianco suggests a desire for a change in leadership.
It’s interesting to see a prominent figure like Brian Deegan criticize Newsom’s governance of California. As an extreme sports icon, his perspective on the state’s business climate and ‘California dream’ is worth considering.
As an accomplished entrepreneur and sports icon, Deegan’s perspective on California’s decline under Newsom carries significant weight. His endorsement of Bianco could sway some voters dissatisfied with the current administration.