California GOP Candidate Chad Bianco Humiliated in Live Debate Fact-Check

California gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco, a Riverside County sheriff and Trump-aligned Republican, faced a brutal live fact-check during a CNN GOP debate on May 6, 2026. Host Kaitlan Collins presented documented evidence contradicting Bianco’s denial of past accusations against rival Steve Hilton.

Collins directly quoted Bianco’s earlier statements, including claims that Hilton was “unethical and dishonest,” attempting to “manipulate Californians,” and had “swindled his way into the Republican side.”

Collins: “I saw the two of you chatting earlier, you and Mr. Hilton. You’ve actually had some harsh words for your fellow Republican. You’ve called him ‘unethical and dishonest’ and said that he is trying to ‘manipulate Californians’ and ‘swindled his way into the Republican side.’ Are you saying that you don’t think Republican voters can trust Mr. Hilton?”

Bianco: “I don’t know where that came from. I would tell you, in my entire life I don’t think I’ve used the word ‘swindle.’ So I don’t know if you were quoting something or if you were saying that—if you were saying that.”

Collins: “It’s a quote from you to The Atlantic.”

Hilton, a California businessman and former advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, has been endorsed by Donald Trump. As of the debate, Hilton was tied in polls with Democrat Xavier Becerra, each polling at approximately 18%.

Bianco attempted to walk back his language, repeatedly denying the use of the word “swindle.”

Bianco: “I don’t know where that came from. I would never, I would never use the word ‘swindled.’”

He then asserted his credibility as a law enforcement official, stating, “right now, lying can get me removed from my job.” However, Collins provided further context, quoting a March interview where Bianco said Hilton was trying to “manipulate Californians to put him in this position at a time when we know that California Democrats have failed and we are going to vote for a Republican governor, and he has swindled his way into the Republican side, even though he’s not.”

Bianco: “I probably did say that. I didn’t use the word ‘swindle,’ whatever it was. But that context, I will agree with that 100 percent.”

Collins: “So you did say the quote?”

Bianco: “Sure.”

Video of the exchange quickly spread on social media, with users highlighting Bianco’s shifting statements. Acyn (@Acyn) shared a clip of the exchange with the caption: “OMG LOL Collins: You've called Hilton unethical and dishonest and said that he swindled his way into the Republican side. Bianco: I've don’t think I’ve ever used the word swindle. I don't know if you were quoting something. Collins: It's a quote from you to The Atlantic.”

Bianco’s performance drew further scrutiny when he was reminded by opponent Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, of his association with the Oath Keepers, an extremist militia group linked to the January 6 insurrection.