Former LA County Sheriff Villanueva Joins Republican Party, Cites Shift in Democratic Values

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who previously led the department from 2018 to 2022, has officially switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. The announcement, made at the Unite Inland Empire Conservative Conference on Saturday, marks a significant political shift for the former law enforcement leader and has already sparked reactions across the political spectrum in California.

Villanueva expressed his reasons for leaving the Democratic Party in a statement, citing what he perceives as a departure from core values. "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," he declared, framing his decision as a move towards a party that better reflects his personal beliefs and principles. He further emphasized his commitment to revitalizing the political landscape of California, stating, "Today I announced ending 44 years as a registered Dem and joining the [GOP]. Time to make [California] purple again!" in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The move comes after Villanueva’s defeat in the 2022 sheriff’s election, where he lost by a significant margin to current Sheriff Robert Luna. Despite his loss, Villanueva remains a prominent figure in Los Angeles County politics, and his decision to join the Republican Party is expected to have ripple effects in the state’s political landscape.

Republican leaders in California have welcomed Villanueva’s decision with enthusiasm. California Republican Party Chairwoman Corrin Rankin expressed her support on X, stating, "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 its the right move. Welcome to our movement to restore common sense!" Rankin’s statement highlights a narrative among some Republicans that the Democratic Party has strayed from traditional values and that Villanueva’s decision reflects a broader disillusionment with the party’s direction.

Roxanne Hoge, chairwoman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles, echoed Rankin’s sentiments, stating, "[Alex Villanueva], you are not alone. Many classic liberals have noticed that [the California Democratic Party] has lost their way, and that they champion crime and criminals. You dont need to be a Republican to vote for sanity, but it helps." Hoge’s comments suggest that Villanueva’s move could potentially attract other moderate Democrats who feel alienated by the party’s perceived shift towards more progressive policies.

However, Villanueva’s decision has also drawn criticism and skepticism from some quarters. Podcaster Scott Moore commented, "Not a surprise. Hasn’t been a DEM. Votes for him in ‘18, regretted it & happily helped vote him out in ‘22. At least we won’t have to see him again in elected office now with party switch," suggesting that Villanueva’s political leanings have been questionable for some time. Democratic strategist Michael Trujillo offered a more pointed reaction, stating, "The democrats have selected the Wu Tang Clan. Republicans can have Villanueva," implying that Villanueva is not a significant loss for the Democratic Party.

The announcement comes amidst a backdrop of heightened political tensions in California, particularly in Los Angeles County. The aftermath of the Pacific Palisades fire has fueled a recall effort against Mayor Karen Bass, further underscoring the political divisions within the region. Additionally, high-profile cases such as the brutal murder allegedly committed by illegal immigrants during a home invasion robbery and the Malibu crash that killed four Pepperdine students have contributed to a sense of unease and concern over public safety.

Despite the Democratic Party’s dominance in California, with a significant advantage in party registration numbers, Republicans are expressing a renewed sense of optimism and ambition. The party’s recent success in flipping three seats in the Democrat supermajority legislature from blue to red in November has fueled hopes for further gains in the 2026 midterms. Villanueva’s move to the Republican Party could potentially energize the party’s base and attract new voters, further contributing to the shifting political landscape of California.

The article also references two unrelated incidents, the imprisonment of criminals at Alcatraz and the Malibu crash.

The shift of Villanueva from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party signifies a potentially substantial change in the political landscape of California, specifically in Los Angeles County. The action comes at a time of heightened political tensions and anxieties, including the aftermath of the Pacific Palisades fire and the recall effort against Mayor Karen Bass. The move has also been accompanied by high-profile criminal cases that fueled discussions about public safety. The fact that three Democrat seats were flipped in November also adds to the overall political atmosphere, leading to a feeling of political change. While the impact of Villanueva’s decision remains to be seen, it’s clear that this announcement has the potential to shape the direction of politics for California in the coming years.