Ex-LA Sheriff Villanueva Abandons Democrats for GOP After 44 Years

Former Sheriff’s Bold Political Shift

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has made a significant political move by leaving the Democratic Party after 44 years and registering as a Republican. This decision, announced in early May 2025, marks a dramatic shift for the man who served as the 33rd sheriff of Los Angeles County from 2018 to 2022. Villanueva shared his reasons for this change during an appearance on 'The Ingraham Angle,' hosted by Laura Ingraham, where he expressed deep frustration with the direction of the Democratic Party in California.

Villanueva, who was the first Democratic sheriff elected in LA County in 138 years, initially campaigned on reformist ideas in 2018. However, his tenure was marked by policies that often leaned more conservative, drawing both criticism and support. His recent party switch reflects a broader discontent with what he perceives as failed leadership and misguided policies in the state.

Reasons Behind the Departure

During the interview, around the 2:30 mark, Villanueva stated, 'I didn’t leave the Democratic Party—the party left me.' He elaborated on his disillusionment with Democratic policies in California, pointing to issues like crime, immigration, and homelessness as areas where he believes the party has faltered. 'Everything they touched, they ruined,' he remarked, emphasizing his belief that the state’s current challenges stem from poor governance.

Villanueva’s frustration is not just with policy but with the ideological shift within the party. He described the Democrats as having moved too far from the values he once aligned with, prompting him to seek a political home that better matches his views on law enforcement and public safety. His comments resonate with a growing sentiment among some former Democrats who feel alienated by progressive shifts in policy.

Criticism of State Leadership

At approximately the 4:15 point in the discussion, Villanueva directed sharp criticism toward California Governor Gavin Newsom. He accused Newsom of being unfit for higher office, stating, 'Don’t let him do to the country what he did to California.' Villanueva claimed to have witnessed criminal behavior and presented a case on public corruption that was ignored, though specific details of this accusation were not elaborated upon during the segment. His pointed remarks highlight a deep-seated frustration with the state’s leadership and its impact on local law enforcement.

This critique of Newsom aligns with Villanueva’s broader narrative of a state in decline under Democratic control. He positioned his switch to the Republican Party as a stand against what he sees as systemic failures, particularly in how policies have affected public safety and community well-being in Los Angeles County and beyond.

Implications of the Party Switch

Villanueva’s decision to join the Republican Party is seen by some as a potential signal of shifting political alignments within law enforcement. Having served as sheriff in one of the largest counties in the nation, his move carries symbolic weight. It reflects a possible trend among public safety officials who feel that their priorities—such as tougher stances on crime and border security—are better represented by Republican values.

While Villanueva lost his reelection bid in 2022 to Robert Luna by a significant margin (61.3% to 38.7%), his influence in LA County politics remains notable. His announcement to 'make California purple again' suggests an intent to challenge the Democratic stronghold in the state, advocating for a balance of perspectives that he believes has been lost.

Public and Political Reactions

Posts found on X indicate a mix of support and curiosity about Villanueva’s switch. Some users hailed his decision as a courageous stand against progressive overreach, while others speculated on whether this could inspire similar moves among other law enforcement figures. Laura Ingraham herself shared a clip of the interview on social media, quoting Villanueva’s line about the Democratic Party leaving him, which garnered significant attention online.

As this story unfolds, Villanueva’s transition to the Republican Party underscores a critical moment for California politics. His vocal criticism of state leadership and policy failures, combined with his high-profile background, ensures that his voice will continue to be heard in debates over public safety and governance. This shift is not just personal but may reflect broader tensions within the state’s political landscape, particularly among those who prioritize law and order.