CA Governor's Race: Democratic Candidate Stephen Cloobeck Sues Sheriff Chad Bianco Over Campaigning in Uniform

The California governor’s race took a sharp turn this morning with Democratic candidate Stephen Cloobeck filing a lawsuit against Republican contender Sheriff Chad Bianco.

Cloobeck’s campaign alleges that Bianco violated state government code 3206, which states: "No officer or employee of a local agency shall participate in political activities of any kind while in uniform."

According to Cloobeck’s office, Sheriff Bianco campaigned for higher office while wearing his sheriff’s uniform, a move they say constitutes a clear breach of the law.

“This is about accountability and ensuring every candidate plays by the rules,” Cloobeck’s office said in a statement announcing the lawsuit.

NBC Palm Springs has reached out to both campaigns for further comment. Cloobeck’s office confirmed a lawsuit was filed on Friday morning.

Bianco's office responded to the allegations on Friday afternoon in a press release saying "If Democrat Stephen Cloobeck thinks that he can increase his name ID and Democratic bonafides by using lawfare against the Sheriff Bianco campaign, then Stephen Cloobeck is sorely mistaken."

“Sheriff Bianco is the leading Republican in the race for California Governor. We very much discourage all the other D-list Democratic candidates for Governor from trying to copy Stephen Cloobeck’s disdainful tactics.”