The California Supreme Court has ordered Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to halt his investigation into alleged election fraud in the 2025 special election. The court also directed Bianco to preserve all seized materials, including over 650,000 ballots, while it reviews the legal merits of the case.
Bianco, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, seized the ballots in February and March after receiving complaints from a local citizens group about irregularities in the November 2025 special election on redistricting. The election results favored a Democratic-drawn congressional map, potentially benefiting Democrats in upcoming midterm elections.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, had previously asked the court to intervene, arguing that Bianco lacked authority over election materials. Bonta also cited deficiencies in the warrants used to seize the ballots. The sheriff’s office had defended the investigation, noting it was approved by a county judge.
Media organizations, including NBCUniversal and The Los Angeles Times, have filed motions to unseal the warrants used in the ballot seizure. The court has asked parties to respond to these motions this week.
Bianco has since paused the investigation due to mounting legal challenges. The California Supreme Court’s order ensures the probe remains on hold while the court reviews the case.