Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has abandoned the Democratic Party after 44 years, joining the Republican ranks in a move that signals growing disillusionment with progressive policies in California’s largest county.
Quick Takes
- Villanueva switched parties after 44 years as a registered Democrat, denouncing his former party as one of “paid protests, purple hair, and pronouns”
- The former sheriff, who served from 2018-2022, is now running as a Republican for the LA County Board of Supervisors in 2024
- His defection highlights growing tension between law enforcement and progressive policies in Democratic strongholds
- California Republican leaders have welcomed Villanueva, seeing his switch as validation of their platform centered on public safety
- This party switch may signal a broader political realignment happening in parts of California traditionally dominated by Democrats
A Sheriff’s Political Transformation
Alex Villanueva, who served as Los Angeles County Sheriff from 2018 to 2022, made his dramatic party switch announcement at the Unite Inland Empire Conservative Conference. After more than four decades as a registered Democrat, Villanueva delivered a scathing critique of his former political home while embracing his new affiliation. His decision comes as he prepares for his next political challenge – running for a seat on the LA County Board of Supervisors against incumbent Janice Hahn in the 2024 election cycle.
The former sheriff’s departure from Democratic ranks appears rooted in fundamental disagreements over public safety approaches and what he describes as the party’s shifting values. Villanueva, who was originally elected as a reformist Democrat, found himself increasingly at odds with progressive policies and oversight during his tenure. His time as sheriff was marked by controversies, including resistance to civilian oversight and disputes with the county’s Board of Supervisors on various policing matters.
Denouncing “The Party of Hate and Protests”
Villanueva didn’t mince words when explaining his decision to leave the Democratic Party. “I’m done with the party of hate and protests,” Alex Villanueva, former Los Angeles County Sheriff. His criticism extended to what he perceives as the enabling of disruptive protests and the emboldening of what he termed “Antifa and anarchist” elements within the political left. This sentiment reflects growing frustration among some law enforcement officials with what they view as insufficient support from Democratic leadership.
“As of today, I’m leaving the party of paid protests, purple hair, and pronouns. And I’m joining the party of faith, family, and freedom — the Republican Party.” Alex Villanueva, former Los Angeles County Sheriff
Beyond rhetoric, Villanueva’s switch reflects substantive policy disagreements. During his tenure as sheriff, he advocated for expanding concealed carry permits, a position more aligned with Republican Second Amendment stances. He also clashed with county officials over pandemic policies and enforcement priorities, presaging his eventual break with the party that initially elected him to office.
California Republicans Welcome New Ally
Republican leaders in California have enthusiastically embraced Villanueva’s defection, seeing it as validation of their platform and potentially signaling broader political realignment. His switch comes at a time when public safety concerns have grown increasingly prominent in local political discourse, particularly in urban centers traditionally dominated by Democratic governance. The timing may prove strategically advantageous as Villanueva positions himself for his supervisorial campaign.
“I left the [California Democratic] Party when I saw it no longer stood for the values I was raised with: personal responsibility, public safety, and freedom. [Alex Villanueva] made the same call. It takes courage, but it’s the right move. Welcome to our movement to restore common sense!” Corrin Rankin, California Republican leader
Some political observers note that Villanueva’s party switch isn’t occurring in isolation. Other Democrats in California have made similar moves, suggesting possible cracks in the Democratic coalition that has dominated the state’s politics for decades. While Democrats maintain significant registration advantages statewide, Republicans see opportunities in leveraging public safety concerns and dissatisfaction with progressive policies to make inroads, particularly in local elections.
Impact on Los Angeles County Politics
Villanueva’s defection raises important questions about the future political landscape in Los Angeles County. As one of the nation’s most populous and influential counties, political shifts here can presage broader trends. The former sheriff’s criticism of Democratic governance on public safety issues may resonate with voters concerned about crime rates and quality of life issues. His campaign for county supervisor will test whether his message and party switch translate into electoral success.
The timing of Villanueva’s announcement coincides with growing political tensions in Los Angeles, including the recall effort against Mayor Karen Bass following the Pacific Palisades fire. These simultaneous challenges to Democratic leadership in the region suggest potential vulnerability on issues of governance and public safety. Whether this represents a momentary disruption or the beginning of more significant political realignment remains to be seen as the next election cycle unfolds.
