Overview

Alex Villanueva, the former Sheriff of Los Angeles County, is running for the position again in the upcoming 2026 primary election. As part of his campaign, he has responded to a series of questions aimed at addressing key issues within the sheriff's department and his plans for the future.

Key details

  • Political Affiliation: Non-partisan
  • Previous Position: 33rd Sheriff of Los Angeles County from 2018 to 2022
  • Campaign Website: alexvillanueva2026.com
  • Misconduct Accountability: Villanueva emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, having terminated 165 employees during his tenure.
  • Deputy Gangs: He disputes the existence of deputy gangs, claiming no one has identified a single member.
  • Public Trust: Villanueva believes that honest citizens trust law enforcement more than politicians and activists.
  • Community Engagement: He held 104 town halls across Los Angeles County to engage with the public during his administration.
  • Response to Controversies: He attributes challenges faced during his tenure to political motivations rather than public safety issues.
  • Public Corruption Unit: Villanueva criticizes the disbanding of the Public Corruption Unit by his successor, suggesting it was a move to conceal corruption.
  • Accountability Narrative: He claims that accountability measures taken during his leadership were not recognized by the Board of Supervisors, the Chief of County, or the Office of Inspector General.
  • Future Plans: Specific actions for eliminating deputy gangs and increasing accountability were requested but not detailed in the provided text.

Context

The upcoming primary election will be a significant moment for Villanueva as he seeks to regain his position amidst ongoing discussions about law enforcement practices and public trust in the sheriff's department.

What happens next

As the primary election approaches, Villanueva's responses to the questionnaire will likely shape voter perceptions and influence his campaign strategy moving forward.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding specific actions Villanueva plans to implement to address deputy gangs and increase accountability have not been confirmed.