Alex Villanueva Switches Political Parties

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has registered as a Republican after a lengthy affiliation with the Democratic Party.

At the Inland Empire Conservative Conference, he announced, “As of today, I will leave the party of paid protests, purple hair, pronouns, and I will join the Party of Faith, Family, and Liberty – Republican.” He also took to social media, saying, “Today I announce the end of 44 years as a registered DEM. Time to make California purple again!”

Villanueva served as sheriff from 2018 until 2022 when he lost to Sheriff Robert Luna in a significant defeat.

His party switch has welcomed reaction from Republican figures in California. Villanueva expressed, “I’ve left the California Democrats after seeing the party abandon core values like personal responsibility, public safety, and freedom.” Los Angeles Republican chairman Roxanne Hose supported him, indicating that he’s not alone in feeling misaligned with the Democratic Party.

Some who criticized Villanueva during his previous term were not surprised by his decision. Comments included that of podcaster Scott Moore, who noted he did not vote for Villanueva in 2018 and regretted voting for him in 2022. Democratic strategist Michael Trujillo remarked that the Republicans could welcome Villanueva.

Currently, Republicans are outnumbered by Democrats in party registrations throughout California, but there seems to be a sense of enthusiasm among state GOP leaders as they look ahead to upcoming elections. Political tensions continue to be high in Los Angeles County, particularly following efforts to recall Mayor Karen Bass.