By Staff Writer, John Kling
September 7, 2025
M.A.G.A. Daily News
Bianco Battles Lawsuit Over Campaigning in Uniform
The phrase campaigning in uniform has become the centerpiece of a heated clash in California’s high-stakes governor’s race. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, the Republican frontrunner, now faces a lawsuit accusing him of violating state law by appearing in his official uniform while on the campaign trail.
California’s Government Code 3206 forbids any officer or employee of a local agency from engaging in political activity while in uniform. Democratic candidate Stephen Cloobeck has seized on this statute, filing suit and arguing that Bianco’s actions undermine both fairness and accountability.
In all fairness, 3203 says that they must be allowed to engage in political activities. 3207 says they can’t engage in political activities during business hours or on work property. Neither one mentions wearing a uniform. 3206 does. No one has challenged it on First Amendment grounds, so it stands.
Lawsuit Sparks Political Firestorm
Cloobeck’s legal team insists that campaigning in uniform grants Bianco an unfair advantage by leveraging his law enforcement image to sway voters. His office stressed that this issue is not just procedural but a fundamental matter of public trust. “This is about ensuring candidates play by the rules,” Cloobeck’s representatives said.
The lawsuit also underscores the broader theme of ethics in politics, raising uncomfortable questions about whether powerful officeholders should be allowed to use the symbols of their authority while asking voters for support.
Bianco’s Team Calls It Political Theater
Bianco’s campaign wasted no time firing back. His team issued a strongly worded statement dismissing the lawsuit as pure political theater, accusing Cloobeck of weaponizing the courts to cover for his lack of traction with voters.
“If Democrat Stephen Cloobeck thinks he can raise his profile by using lawfare against Sheriff Bianco, then he is sorely mistaken,” the campaign declared. They branded Cloobeck’s lawsuit a desperate attempt to gain headlines in a race where the sheriff remains a dominant figure.
Bianco’s allies even mocked Cloobeck’s position in the Democratic field, calling his fellow candidates “D-list” and warning that resorting to such “disdainful tactics” would not help him climb the ranks.
Why Campaigning in Uniform Matters
The core controversy around campaigning in uniform revolves around perception. Does wearing a badge and uniform on the trail amplify trust, or does it create an unfair advantage? For many voters, the uniform is more than clothing—it represents authority, discipline, and public service.
Critics argue that such imagery blurs the line between official duty and political ambition. Supporters counter that Bianco has every right to present himself authentically as a sheriff. The court will ultimately decide whether the law has been breached, but in the meantime, voters are left to interpret the optics for themselves.
Political Stakes Are Rising
Sheriff Bianco, first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, is no stranger to controversy. His department has faced lawsuits over jail conditions and has been under scrutiny from federal authorities. Still, he remains popular among Republican voters and has built a strong base through his law-and-order message.
Clearly, many of his deputies may disagree and will tout fellow deputies who were allegedly fired unceccesarily. However he was forced to rehire them for various reasons. Sources tell M.A.G.A. Daily News, he allegedly has his minons doing his dirty work when he believes a deputy goes against his will. Whistler blowers are coming out of the woodwork with real talk.
According to whistle blowers many deputies were locked up in jail for false allegations that were covered up with false police reports and false testimony. Think back, remember when he was working in the basement of the Hemet station? Remember, when he became Sheriff he dismissed the administration staff who supported the former Sheriff who put him in the basement? Here was see he puts Cloobeck on stern notice……
Cloobeck’s lawsuit adds yet another wrinkle to an already contentious race. This is not his first time turning to the courts—he has previously attempted legal action against rivals in hopes of boosting his profile. But this move against Bianco carries far more weight, given the sheriff’s leading position.
Recent polls show Bianco surging among Republican candidates and competitive with top Democrats. Fundraising reports also place him ahead of most challengers, signaling his campaign’s momentum despite mounting criticism. The lawsuit, however, threatens to put his tactics under a microscope and could influence undecided voters who value strict adherence to the law.
The Larger Implications
By zeroing in on campaigning in uniform, Cloobeck has ignited a debate that goes beyond this single race. If the lawsuit succeeds, it could establish precedent restricting how law enforcement officers—and possibly other officials—conduct themselves in political campaigns.
The question lingers: should the law prioritize strict separation of uniform and politics, or should voters be trusted to discern the difference? The outcome of this case could reshape campaign strategies for years to come, influencing not only Bianco but every candidate who wears an official title.
What This Means for Voters
For everyday Californians, the lawsuit forces an examination of values. Do citizens want leaders who campaign in official attire, or does it strike too close to authoritarian imagery? While Bianco frames the case as a political stunt, Cloobeck portrays it as a fight for fairness and integrity.
The voters’ response will likely determine whether this lawsuit is remembered as a political blip or a turning point in California’s election history.
A Call to Action
At M.A.G.A. Daily News, we want to hear from you. What do you think about campaigning in uniform? Does it strengthen a candidate’s image or compromise democratic principles? Should law enforcement figures draw a line between their service and their campaigns?
Send your thoughts and feedback to Press@MagaDailyNews.com and let your voice be heard. Your opinion matters, and your perspective helps shape the future of this ongoing debate.
One thing is certain: as this lawsuit unfolds, the issue of campaigning in uniform will remain front and center in California’s gubernatorial battle, and voters across the nation will be watching closely.
