Alex Villanueva

Sheriff Alex Villanueva, a 35-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the first challenger in over a century to unseat an incumbent when elected in 2018, led the nation’s largest sheriff’s department of nearly 18,000 sworn and professional staff through some of the most complex public safety challenges in America. His tenure was defined by integrity and reform, expanding transparency, holding countywide town halls, rebuilding recruitment and retention, and prioritizing compassionate solutions to homelessness and mental health while strengthening emergency preparedness during crises. A U.S. Air Force and National Guard veteran with advanced degrees in public administration, Villanueva has dedicated his life to service and mentoring the next generation of law enforcement leaders. Now, with decades of experience and a proven record of leadership, he is running to reclaim the badge in 2026, determined to restore operational strength, rebuild public trust, and put Los Angeles County back on a safer path forward. Go to alexvillanueva2026.com for more information.