Get to Know the Candidates for LA County Sheriff in the June 2 Primary Election
LOS ANGELES – On June 2, voters in Los Angeles County will participate in a pivotal primary election for the area’s sheriff, a role pivotal to the nation’s largest sheriff’s department. Incumbent Sheriff Robert Luna is running for reelection amid a competitive field of eight challengers, including former sheriff Alex Villanueva.
Luna, who took office in 2022, is campaigning on a platform that emphasizes continued reform and stability within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). His tenure has involved addressing critical issues such as jail conditions and the department’s handling of deputy misconduct. A notable aspect of his campaign is a focus on data-driven policing, a commitment to constitutional policing standards, and improving community relations.
Challengers include a diverse mix of candidates, such as traditional law enforcement veterans like Lieutenant Oscar Martinez and outsider figures like retired deputy and television bailiff Sonia Montejano. The Democratic primary allows candidates to win outright with more than 50% of the vote, making the June 2 election potentially decisive in determining the department’s future leadership.
Candidates are presenting varied philosophies on local law enforcement, reflecting a broad spectrum of opinions on issues such as policing strategies, criminal justice reforms, and public safety. Voters will be tasked with weighing progressive reforms against traditional enforcement perspectives, creating a vital choice in shaping the future of policing in Los Angeles County.
Candidate Highlights
Robert Luna: The current sheriff boasts a 36-year law enforcement background, including leadership roles in the Long Beach Police Department. Luna’s administration has reported a 14% decrease in homicides and a focus on transparency through technology, including the introduction of body-worn cameras.
Alex Villanueva: A former sheriff, Villanueva emphasizes his past successes in budget management and staffing during his tenure. He positions himself as a proponent of a "firm law and order" stance, advocating for aggressive approaches to crime while condemning political patronage within the department.
Oscar Antonio Martinez: Running on a "service-over-power" philosophy, Martinez emphasizes accountability and discipline. His platform includes streamlining processes for carrying concealed weapons and ensuring support for law enforcement personnel’s mental health.
Brendan Corbett: A retired Assistant Sheriff, Corbett proposes significant expansions to the Reserve Program and focuses on community safety through technology and deeper collaboration with neighborhood stakeholders.
As election day nears, candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns, vying for early votes to establish momentum. Should a frontrunner emerge with the requisite support to secure a majority, the leadership of the LASD could be decided well ahead of the national elections in November.
