Los Angeles voters have ousted Sheriff Alex Villanueva, marking only the second time in over a century that an incumbent sheriff has been voted out. With most ballots counted, challenger Robert Luna, the former Long Beach police chief, secured 60% of the vote to Villanueva's 40%. Villanueva conceded on Tuesday.
Villanueva's four-year term was plagued by allegations of misconduct, abuse and corruption within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), the largest such agency in the United States. Civil rights leaders described him as a "danger to the people". He frequently clashed with politicians, journalists and whistleblowers, and was accused of defying oversight.
The sheriff faced accusations of covering up misconduct, including claims that he personally directed a cover-up of an incident in which jail guards knelt on the head of a handcuffed man. He also resisted investigations into deputy gangs, branding them a "problem of perception" and refusing to comply with subpoenas.
In September, armed deputies raided the home of county supervisor Sheila Kuehl, a vocal critic. The district attorney's office later said it had investigated the claims and found no cause for charges. The Los Angeles Times editorial board said the episode showed "just how unhinged" Villanueva had become.
His tenure also saw frequent killings by deputies, excessive force claims leading to $47m in payouts, and allegations of severe abuse in jails. Critics say his legacy will be lasting damage to the department. Activist Chiquita Twyman, whose brother was killed by deputies, called him "Donald Trump 2.0". Mark-Anthony Clayton-Johnson of Dignity and Power Now said Villanueva would be remembered as "the sheriff who went rogue".
