Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva abandons the Democratic Party after 44 years, declaring it the “party of paid protests, purple hair, and pronouns” while embracing Republican values of “faith, family, and freedom.”
Key Takeaways
- After 44 years as a registered Democrat, former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has officially switched to the Republican Party
- Villanueva explicitly rejected what he called the “party of hate and protests” in favor of joining the GOP
- His defection comes as he prepares to run for LA County Board of Supervisors against Janice Hahn in 2024
- Republican leaders in California have welcomed Villanueva’s switch, viewing it as a potential signal of changing political tides
- The move highlights broader ideological tensions between public safety priorities and progressive reform agendas
A Sheriff’s Political Transformation
Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has made a dramatic political shift that could reshape local politics in one of America’s most staunchly Democratic strongholds. After more than four decades as a registered Democrat, Villanueva announced his decision to join the Republican Party at the Unite Inland Empire Conservative Conference, formally ending his longstanding affiliation with the political left. His decision comes amid increasing tensions between law enforcement officials and progressive policies that have dominated Los Angeles County governance in recent years.
Villanueva, who served as LA County Sheriff from 2018 to 2022, didn’t mince words about his reasons for the dramatic party switch. “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,” said Alex Villanueva, former Los Angeles County Sheriff.
Law Enforcement and Political Alignment
Villanueva’s tenure as sheriff was marked by significant controversies that increasingly positioned him at odds with progressive Democrats in Los Angeles County. Initially elected in 2018 as a reformist Democrat, he quickly found himself clashing with the county’s Board of Supervisors over various policies and oversight issues. These tensions culminated in his unsuccessful reelection bid in 2022, when voters chose his challenger, Robert Luna. Undeterred by this setback, Villanueva is now pursuing a seat on the LA County Board of Supervisors, challenging incumbent Janice Hahn in 2024.
“I’m done with the party of hate and protests,” declared Alex Villanueva, former Los Angeles County Sheriff.
During his time as sheriff, Villanueva took positions that increasingly aligned with conservative values, particularly regarding Second Amendment rights. He advocated for expanding concealed carry permits in Los Angeles County, a stance typically associated with Republican law enforcement officials. His criticism of what he described as enabling “Antifa and anarchist” elements during protests further highlighted his growing ideological distance from mainstream Democratic positions on public safety and law enforcement.
Republican Welcome and Political Implications
Republican leaders in California have enthusiastically embraced Villanueva’s defection, viewing it as validation of their policy positions and potentially signaling a broader political realignment. “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!” said Corrin Rankin, California Republican Party Vice Chair.
Villanueva’s switch comes at a time when crime and public safety concerns are increasingly resonating with voters across California. While Democrats continue to outnumber Republicans in party registration, GOP leaders express optimism about future elections as prominent figures like Villanueva publicly reject progressive policies. The political atmosphere in Los Angeles County is particularly charged, with ongoing issues including a recall effort against Mayor Karen Bass following controversies such as the Pacific Palisades fire response.
A Symptom of Broader Political Realignment
Villanueva’s dramatic party switch represents more than just one official’s change of heart – it potentially signals deeper shifts in California’s political landscape. His move reflects growing tensions between traditional Democratic values and the progressive wing that has gained influence in recent years. For many conservatives, Villanueva’s decision validates concerns about the direction of Democratic policies, particularly regarding law enforcement, public safety, and traditional values.
“Today I announced ending 44 years as a registered Dem and joining the [GOP] Time to make [California] purple again!” stated Alex Villanueva, former Los Angeles County Sheriff.
As Villanueva prepares for his 2026 campaign for Governor, his party switch will undoubtedly influence his messaging and policy positions. His criticism of what he terms “paid protests” raises constitutional questions about free expression while resonating with voters concerned about public disorder. This political realignment in Los Angeles County highlights national divisions between competing priorities: public safety versus reform, constitutional rights versus order, and traditional values versus progressive change.
