California Sheriff, GOP Gubernatorial Hopeful, Seizes 650K Ballots in Election Integrity Probe

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a leading Republican contender for California governor, directed the seizure of over 650,000 ballots from the state’s November 2025 special election on Proposition 50 this weekend.

The move stems from a probe triggered by the Riverside Election Integrity Team, a third-party group alleging about 45,000 excess votes. State elections officials have rejected these claims, but Bianco insists on a manual recount.

“Our investigation boils down to this: Physically count the ballots and match them against recorded totals,” Bianco stated at a Friday press conference.

Proposition 50 aimed to reshape California’s congressional districts, tilting toward Democrats in a counter to Republican-led changes in Texas.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber contends Bianco lacks recount authority. “The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is acting on baseless claims that erode trust in elections,” she told City News Service. “While deputies’ counting zeal is noted, they aren’t trained elections experts.”

Riverside elections chief Art Tinoco earlier dismissed the Integrity Team’s data, explaining that Election Day intake logs are rough estimates, not precise counts. He noted the final tally deviated by just 0.16%—or 103 votes—from initial projections.

The Integrity Team stands by its calculations, prompting Bianco’s independent review.

Tensions escalated with accusations against Democratic Attorney General Bob Bonta. Bianco claims interference, but Bonta’s office counters it sought details under supervisory powers.

“We’ve cooperated to review warrants and the full file,” Bonta’s office told Fox News Digital on Sunday. “The sheriff has stonewalled, withholding key documents. What we’ve seen reveals flaws, including omitted facts in warrant affidavits.”