A former Los Angeles County Sheriff has abandoned the Democrat Party after 44 years, declaring it the “party of paid protests, purple hair, and pronouns.”
His switch to the Republican Party sends shockwaves through California politics as Democrats lose a once-prominent law enforcement leader who now embraces GOP values of “faith, family, and freedom.”
Villanueva made his dramatic announcement at the Unite Inland Empire Conservative Conference, officially ending his decades-long affiliation with Democrats.
The former sheriff, who served from 2018 to 2022, was originally elected as a reformist Democrat but became increasingly opposed to progressive policies that he believes undermine public safety and constitutional values.
“As of today, I’m leaving the party of paid protests, purple hair, and pronouns. And I’m joining the party of faith, family, and freedom — the Republican Party,” Villanueva declared in his announcement.
Furthermore, Villanueva’s defection reflects his frustration with Democrats whom he believes have enabled disruptive protests and emboldened “Antifa and anarchist” elements.
During his tenure as sheriff, he frequently clashed with the Democrat-dominated Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors over budget priorities and law enforcement policies.
“I’m done with the party of hate and protests,” Villanueva stated bluntly about his former political home.
The former sheriff’s switch also involves strong support for Second Amendment rights. As sheriff, he pushed to issue more concealed carry permits to citizens.
This stance put him at odds with California’s Democrat establishment but aligns perfectly with core GOP principles of constitutional rights and personal protection.
Republican leaders across California have enthusiastically welcomed Villanueva to their ranks.
Corrin Rankin, a prominent California Republican, praised Villanueva’s courage:
“I left the [California Democratic] Party when I saw it no longer stood for the values I was raised with: personal responsibility, public safety, and freedom. [Alex Villanueva] made the same call. It takes courage, but it’s the right move. Welcome to our movement to restore common sense!”
Villanueva’s political journey is not over. After losing his reelection bid in 2022, he ran for the LA County Board of Supervisors against Janice Hahn in 2024.
His new GOP affiliation could reshape this race in unexpected ways as voters concerned about rising crime rates may rally behind his tough-on-crime approach.
His party switch represents a broader realignment happening in California politics.
Despite Democrats outnumbering Republicans in voter registration, many lifelong Democrats are reconsidering their political allegiance as progressive policies fail to address rising crime, homelessness, and economic struggles plaguing the state.
Moreover, Villanueva commemorated his decision on social media, writing:
“Today I announced ending 44 years as a registered Dem and joining the [GOP] Time to make [California] purple again!”
His message signals ambitions beyond his own political future – he is calling for nothing less than a conservative revival in the Golden State.
For patriotic Americans watching California’s decline under Democrat leadership, Villanueva’s defection represents a powerful vindication of conservative values.
It also offers hope that even in deep-blue territories, common sense can eventually prevail when public safety and constitutional freedoms are at stake.
