'I'm proud of it': CA gov candidate touts ties to far-right Oath Keepers on debate stage

A GOP candidate for California governor proudly stood by his past ties to the Oath Keepers, a far-right American militia that was involved in the January 6 Capitol riots.

"You're an Oath Keeper. We all know that," former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said while railing against Republican Chad Bianco, the Sheriff for Riverside County.

Rather than distance himself from the group, Bianco leaned in, saying, "I'm very proud of it."

He justified his past by telling Villaraigosa, "And guess what? You're going to swear an oath, and you swore an oath. You should know what you were swearing and be proud of defending it."

Everyone seemed surprised by Bianco's comments during the nationally televised debate. Villaraigosa shot back that, "I don't think an Oath Keeper is qualified to be governor." Fellow candidate Xavier Becerra said Bianco's response was a "chilling answer."

"I don't think you know what an Oath Keeper is," Bianco argued.

But even moderator Kaitlan Collins needed clarification.

"You said you're a proud Oath Keeper," Collins asked. "Are you referring to the group?"

Bianco said, "I have sworn an oath three times to defend my constitution. Yes, and everybody that wants to lie and emotionally get all spun up about the Oath Keeper organization...I want you to go read the mission statement of the Oath Keeper organization."

"I saw them on CNN attacking the Capitol!" Villaraigosa shouted.