Steve Hilton leads rival Chad Bianco as BLM video resurfaces

Steve Hilton is now the leading Republican candidate for the California governor’s race — and a controversial decision his only real rival made at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests may be the reason why.

A new poll shows the former Fox News host holds a decisive lead over Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco in the race for governor, leading 42% to 33% in a head-to-head GOP primary matchup.

Perhaps more concerning for the Bianco campaign is the sheriff’s decision to take a knee during Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. 

The poll was done after the first televised governor’s debate, when Hilton took aim at his GOP challenger in a gubernatorial debate last week in San Francisco, citing Fox 11 video footage of Bianco taking a knee in front of BLM protesters in 2020.

Upon dropping down to a knee, other sheriff deputies were seen reluctantly following suit.

“The leaders of this have to work with us to make a difference,” Bianco said while on bended knee.

“And if this is what starts it, then this is what starts it.”

After being shown the video, 66% of poll respondents said they found the footage of Bianco very or somewhat concerning, suggesting the incident could pose a significant liability.

Meanwhile, polls have consistently shown both Hilton and Bianco close to the top of a crowded field that includes high-profile Democrats such as Eric Swalwell, former congresswoman Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.

Only the top-two voter getters — regardless of party affiliation — will advance from the primary election on June 2.

Hilton told The Post he expects Mahan to receive big infusions of cash from the tech industry, while Swalwell and Porter are likely to be compete for organized labor’s support.

“It’s really important we get behind one Republican candidate so we don’t risk being shut out,” Hilton said.

Bianco’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

The online survey contacted 514 likely Republican and Republican-leaning voters, and it had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6%.

Hilton told The Post he blames Democrats “one-party rule” for California’s many crises, from homelessness and crime to the high cost of living.

However, Hilton said he is also focusing attacks on his fellow conservative Bianco because the chances of two Republicans emerging out of the June primary is “a total fantasy.”

“Does anyone seriously believe that the Democrat machine will just surrender California by allowing two Republicans to be in the general election?” Hilton said.

“We have to take this very seriously. If we’re not careful we are going to throw away the chance of change in California.”

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