Commentary — to start, as The New Founders Journal is not associated with any political party, we are here to report and highlight what is happening out there to inform voters like you of who is running in elections.
The Story
In the unfolding drama of California’s 2026 gubernatorial race. With Governor Gavin Newsom termed out, a new chapter beckons for the Golden State, and a cadre of Republican candidates has stepped forward, each bearing a distinct vision to reclaim what they see as California’s lost promise.
At The New Founders Journal, we undertake this snapshot not to champion ideology but to fill a void in the public discourse—a discourse too often fragmented by selective attention.
Why focus solely on Republicans?
Simply put, few others are. Like the original Founders of the United States—disruptors and mavericks—The New Founders seek to balance the conversation, shining light on a field too often overlooked.
With Kamala Harris no longer in the race, the Republican contenders face not only each other but an electorate seemingly more open to their message than in years past, with an undefined Democratic opponent. Below, in ascending order by last name, are the early candidates vying to lead California.
Chad Bianco: The Sheriff’s Resolve
Slogan: “Only the Sheriff Can Save Us Now”
Website: biancoforgovernor.com
Chad Bianco, born in 1967 at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, embodies the steadfastness of a man shaped by service. For 32 years of service with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, he has served as Riverside County Sheriff since 2018, witnessing firsthand the toll of what he calls Sacramento’s “failed policies.”
Raised in a small mining town, Bianco was instilled with values of integrity and perseverance, believing that “respect is earned through actions, character, and commitment to service.” His campaign is a clarion call to restore the California Dream, which he argues has become a nightmare for many due to rising taxes, crime, and an unaffordable housing market.
“Californians deserve a Governor who will fight for the people instead of Sacramento’s special interests,” Bianco declares, pledging to bring common sense to a state he sees as adrift. His experience as sheriff grounds his promise to address crime and rebuild trust in governance.
Steve Hilton: The Outsider’s Perspective
Slogan: “Golden Together”
Website: goldentogether.com
Steve Hilton, a California resident since 2012 and a U.S. citizen since 2021, brings a transatlantic perspective to the race. Once a senior policy and strategy advisor to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and host of The Next Revolution on Fox News, Hilton has also taught at Stanford and founded the tech startup Crowdpac.
His campaign, Golden Together, reflects a blend of policy acumen and entrepreneurial zeal, focused on tackling California’s myriad challenges. Hilton’s outsider status—neither a career politician nor a native Californian—lends him a unique lens, one that sees California’s potential through the eyes of an adopted son eager to restore its luster.
Brandon Jones: The Faithful Reformer
Slogan: “Restore California”
Website: brandonrjones.org
Brandon Jones, a Christian, husband, father, and entrepreneur, anchors his campaign in faith and a commitment to service. As the founder of RESTORE California, Jones proposes a comprehensive plan to address the state’s crises—crime, housing, homelessness, education, healthcare, and environmental policy.
“My faith teaches me the importance of compassion, accountability, and serving others,” Jones asserts, framing his candidacy as a mission to create “safer streets, affordable housing, thriving communities, and a future we can believe in.”
His RESTORE California Solution offers practical steps, from supporting law enforcement to incentivizing affordable housing and expanding job training, all aimed at uplifting Californians burdened by economic and social challenges.
Daniel R. Mercuri: The Veteran’s Crusade
Slogan: “Starve the Government, Feed the People”
Website: danielforcalgovernor.com
Daniel R. Mercuri, a U.S. Navy veteran, and Southern California native, enters the race with a fire born of frustration. A production company CEO, CFO of a private investment group, and advertising professional, Mercuri’s political journey began in 2019 as a congressional candidate, followed by runs in the 2021 recall and 2022 primary elections.
“As a veteran, I did not swear my oath to Communism, Marxism, Socialism or any other …ism for that matter,” he declares. “I swore the oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution.”
Mercuri sees California’s woes—rooted in what he calls systemic career politicians—as a betrayal of the people’s trust. His campaign is a battle cry against corruption, promising to dismantle the “Deep State” and restore constitutional liberties with a resolve forged in service and faith.
David Serpa: The Marine’s Mission
Slogan: “California 2.0: The Promise, The Purpose, The Plan”
Website: serpaforgovernor.com
David Serpa, a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, and successful real estate businessman, brings a disciplined vision to the race. His campaign, rooted in “integrity, service, and accountability,” pledges to run California “with the discipline of a business, the heart of a public servant, and the boldness of a pioneer.”
Serpa’s platform emphasizes transparency and a people-first approach, drawing on his experience in combat and community leadership to protect families, veterans, and the vulnerable. His mantra—“We tell the truth, keep our word, and earn trust through action”—reflects a commitment to rebuilding trust in a state weary of empty promises.
Leo Zacky: The Agrarian Advocate
Slogan: “Let’s Take California Back”
Website: leozacky.com
Leo Zacky carries the legacy of Zacky Farms, a century-old California poultry empire built by his great-grandfather. A former lobbyist for the California Poultry Federation and a hands-on executive, Zacky learned the business from the ground up, working alongside employees during the 2008 recession to save the family enterprise.
“During those years, I learned that everything has a cost,” he reflects, citing his battles with California’s excessive regulations, high taxes, and mismanagement. Zacky’s campaign is a pledge to “roll up his sleeves” and clean up Sacramento’s corruption and wasteful spending. Respected by agricultural and business communities, he positions himself as a constitutionalist and a man of the people, ready to address the state’s diverse needs.
In Closing
The New Founders Journal will continue to chronicle their efforts, ensuring their voices are heard in a conversation too long dominated by division.
Note: If we’ve missed any Republican candidates, please let us know!
SOURCES | BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bianco for Governor 2026. “From Sheriff to Governor: Protecting California.” Accessed July 31, 2025. https://biancoforgovernor.com.
Brandon Jones for Governor 2026. “A Bold Vision for California’s Future.” Accessed July 31, 2025. https://brandonrjones.org.
Daniel for California Governor. “Who Am I.” Accessed July 31, 2025. https://www.danielforcalgovernor.com.
Golden Together. “Meet Steve Hilton.” Accessed July 31, 2025. https://goldentogether.com/steve-hilton/.
Leo Zacky for Governor. “Our Candidate for 2026: Meet Leo.” Accessed July 31, 2025. https://leozacky.com/meet-leo/.
Serpa for Governor. “The Plan.” Accessed July 31, 2025. https://serpaforgovernor.com.