Villanueva, Who Once Threatened Altadena Substation Closure, Launches Bid to Reclaim Sheriff’s Job

The man who once threatened to shut down the Altadena sheriff’s substation — drawing fierce criticism from county leaders — is now seeking a return to the top law enforcement post in Los Angeles County.

Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced Tuesday night that he will challenge incumbent Sheriff Robert Luna in the June 2, 2026, primary election. Villanueva made the announcement via a campaign video, arguing that the department has faltered under Luna’s leadership.

“Over the last several years, Los Angeles County has seen the consequences of failed leadership, not just in the sheriff’s department, but across our local government,” Villanueva said. “Lawlessness has become the new normal… Families feel unsafe. Deputies feel unsupported.”

In 2020, Villanueva drew sharp rebukes — including from Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger — when he announced the closure of the Altadena sheriff’s station, citing budget cuts. Barger, who represents Altadena, called the move irresponsible and accused Villanueva of ignoring alternatives that would have avoided impacts to public safety.

“I am disappointed that instead of more sensible adjustments, he is responding by eliminating sheriff’s stations,” Barger told Pasadena Now at the time, adding that the closure would leave residents of unincorporated Altadena without local law enforcement support.

Villanueva, who served one term as sheriff from 2018 to 2022, made headlines throughout his tenure for frequent clashes with the Board of Supervisors, including battles over budget deficits, jail conditions, and oversight efforts.

The two sides traded insults as they sparred over the department’s $3.5 billion budget.

At that time, the county’s jail population decreased by 5,000 inmates, yet Villanueva did not decrease the staffing in the county’s jails.

Supervisors also wanted Villanueva to further cut overtime.

Villanueva wanted the board to release $143.7 million in funding for his department that had been transferred out of the department.

Despite the controversy and a resounding loss in the 2022 election — where Luna beat him by more than 22 percentage points — Villanueva is now positioning himself as the solution to what he describes as “paralyzing dysfunction” within the LASD.

“We must rescue this department… rebuild it to full strength, and restore our capacity to fight, solve and prevent crime,” Villanueva said Tuesday.

Luna, for his part, has already declared his intention to seek re-election, pointing to crime reduction, jail compliance improvements, and increased community engagement as accomplishments during his first term.

Lt. Oscar Martinez, of the sheriff’s Palmdale station, has also entered the race. Martinez has criticized Luna for failing to back deputies and pledged to restore morale within the ranks.

In contrast, Luna secured 61.3% of the vote when he unseated Villanueva in 2022.