Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, once a rising star in the California Democratic Party, has officially switched sides.
On May 4, 2025, Villanueva announced he’s now a Republican—and he didn’t hold back on why.
Villanueva said he’s had it with the far-left turn of his old party.
BREAKING: Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva leaves the Democratic Party, becomes a Republican.
“I’m leaving the party of paid protests, purple hair and pronouns.”
“Time to make California purple again.” pic.twitter.com/yMnjz4yjlI
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 4, 2025
Villanueva, who served as sheriff from 2018 to 2022, said he wants to help “make California purple again.”
That’s a bold statement in a state where Democrats hold nearly every major office and dominate both chambers of the legislature.
But Villanueva isn’t alone—his move reflects a small but growing trend of law enforcement and public safety officials walking away from the Democratic Party in California.
A Sheriff with a Complicated Record
Villanueva wasn’t always seen as a conservative.
Back in 2018, he ran for sheriff as a Democrat, promising reform and accountability.
Once in office, he took a tough stance on crime and often clashed with the LA County Board of Supervisors, many of whom leaned far left.
He pushed back on vaccine mandates for deputies, cracked down on homelessness in public parks, and questioned the effectiveness of “woke” criminal justice reforms.
Those stances earned him praise from conservatives—but drew fire from progressive groups.
He also faced several investigations during his time as sheriff, including allegations of covering up deputy misconduct. Villanueva has always denied wrongdoing, saying the attacks were politically motivated.
A Sign of the Times?
Villanueva’s decision may seem like just one politician changing parties, but it points to something bigger.
In recent years, California has seen more voters—especially Latinos and working-class folks—drifting away from the Democrats.
Crime, inflation, housing costs, and school policies have caused many to rethink their political home.
California may be a blue state on the surface, but look a little closer and you’ll find more purple than you think.
Just ask the voters who helped recall progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin in San Francisco—or the parents pushing back on radical school board policies from San Diego to Sacramento.
Villanueva believes there’s room for a “common sense comeback” in California politics.
And he thinks the Republican Party—long beaten down in the Golden State—is starting to make noise again.
Not Everyone’s Applauding
Critics say Villanueva’s switch is more about ambition than values.
They point out that he lost his re-election bid in 2022 to Robert Luna, a Democrat backed by progressive leaders.
Some call the party flip a political stunt to stay relevant in a state where Republicans struggle to win statewide office.
Still, conservatives see Villanueva’s move as a breath of fresh air.
What’s Next?
Villanueva hasn’t announced any plans to run for office again—at least not yet. But don’t be surprised if his name pops up in a future race.
His mix of law-and-order politics, Latino roots, and straight talk could appeal to a chunk of voters feeling politically homeless.
Whether you agree with him or not, Villanueva’s party switch is another sign that California’s political map might not be as blue as it looks.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
