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Hollywood icon Lorenzo Lamas has endorsed Republican Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco in California’s upcoming gubernatorial race, citing what he describes as the “devastating” impact of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration on the state.
The 80s and 90s action star told Fox News Digital that while he has historically been cautious about making political statements due to potential industry repercussions, he feels compelled to speak out given California’s current circumstances.
“I think we’re at a point now, not just in California, but nationwide, that we have to start at least voicing what we feel is wrong with what’s happening,” Lamas explained. “I’ve watched the wealthiest state in the nation become completely mismanaged by the current administration. It’s just beyond the pale what’s happened to my state.”
Lamas, who grew up in Pacific Palisades, pointed to several specific concerns, including homelessness, resource allocation, and the state’s response to natural disasters. He noted that fires had devastated his hometown, burning down both his childhood home and elementary school.
“Why? Because not enough budget was allocated to resources to fight the fire,” he claimed. The actor also criticized the bureaucratic hurdles facing those who lost homes in the blazes. “They cannot afford to rebuild in the city that they grew up in, the city that they came to love. Why? Well, because it takes years to get rebuilding plans approved. There’s just so much red tape, so much bureaucracy.”
The actor also expressed concerns about public safety, particularly for his two daughters who live in Los Angeles. “We’ve got to have a governor that’s pro-law enforcement, that’s going to keep our moms and our daughters safe on the streets,” he said, adding that crime is “permeating this beautiful nation of ours.”
Lamas characterized Sheriff Bianco as “the man that can really turn this thing around,” praising the candidate’s “commonsense foundation” that he believes will appeal to voters across party lines.
Bianco, who officially entered the race earlier this year, has focused his campaign on cost of living and public safety issues. His candidacy faces significant challenges in California, where Democrats have dominated statewide races for nearly two decades. The last Republican to win statewide office was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who served as governor until 2011.
On the Democratic side, prominent candidates include U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell and former Representative Katie Porter, both progressives with national profiles. Governor Newsom, who successfully defeated a recall attempt in 2021, is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.
When asked for comment on Lamas’ criticism, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom responded dismissively with a one-word statement: “Who?”
Despite the uphill battle Republicans face in California, Bianco has garnered support from other notable figures, including UFC legends Royce Gracie and Dan Henderson.
The 2026 gubernatorial race comes at a politically charged moment for California. The state continues to grapple with significant challenges including a persistent housing crisis, homelessness, drought conditions, and debates over criminal justice reform. While California remains the world’s fifth-largest economy with significant budget surpluses in recent years, population decline has occurred for the first time in the state’s recorded history, with many residents citing high costs of living and quality of life concerns.
For Lamas, the endorsement represents a rare political statement from an actor who has typically avoided such pronouncements throughout his lengthy career. “Last November 6th, America voted for commonsense,” Lamas concluded, referencing the recent presidential election. “And I think it’s time that California votes for commonsense, and the only person that I really feel can bring that to our state is Chad Bianco.”
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14 Comments
The issues facing California, like homelessness and natural disaster response, are undoubtedly complex. I hope the gubernatorial candidates offer concrete, data-driven solutions that go beyond partisan talking points. Voters deserve a rigorous, policy-focused debate.
Agreed. Complex problems require nuanced, evidence-based approaches, not simplistic partisan narratives. Voters should demand substantive policy proposals from all candidates, not just celebrity endorsements.
While I respect the actor’s right to endorse a candidate, I would encourage voters to research the candidates’ full platforms and track records rather than just relying on celebrity endorsements. Elections should be decided on substantive policy positions, not star power.
Well said. Voters should look beyond the headlines and campaign rhetoric to understand each candidate’s detailed plans and qualifications. An informed electorate is crucial for a healthy democracy.
The California governor’s race is shaping up to be a high-profile contest, so celebrity endorsements could sway some voters. I’ll be curious to see how this plays out and what other issues the candidates focus on beyond just the Newsom administration’s record.
You make a fair point. Voters should look at the candidates’ full platforms and not just focus on celebrity endorsements. It will be interesting to see how the race unfolds.
As someone who grew up in California, I can understand the actor’s perspective on the state’s challenges. However, I would caution against over-simplifying the causes or assuming one party has all the answers. These issues require nuanced, bipartisan solutions.
That’s a fair point. Framing political issues as simple partisan divides often obscures the true complexity. An objective, evidence-based approach is needed to address California’s pressing problems effectively.
It’s interesting to see a celebrity voice their political opinion, especially on issues like homelessness and natural disaster response that have impacted their local community. While I may not agree with all of their views, I respect their willingness to speak out on these important matters.
I agree, it’s important for citizens to engage in the political process and share their perspectives, even if they differ from the mainstream. Healthy debate is vital for a functioning democracy.
Homelessness and natural disaster response are certainly pressing issues in California that the next governor will need to address. I hope the candidates offer detailed, substantive plans to tackle these challenges rather than just political rhetoric.
Agreed. Concrete policy proposals backed by data and expert input will be crucial. Voters deserve more than just partisan finger-pointing on these complex, multifaceted problems.
It’s understandable that a longtime Californian like the actor would be concerned about the state’s challenges. However, I would caution against assuming that one party or candidate has all the answers. These issues deserve a balanced, bipartisan examination of the facts.
That’s a fair point. Oversimplifying complex problems into partisan divides often obscures the true nature of the issues. Voters should seek out objective analysis and weigh each candidate’s proposals based on their merits, not just party affiliation.