LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
Alex Villanueva's narrow victory against Jim McDonnell in the 2018 race for L.A. Sheriff marked the first time in nearly a century that an incumbent L.A. sheriff was voted out of office.
At the time of the election, the Sheriff's Department remained under a cloud of scandals from the administration of former Sheriff Lee Baca, on top of issues like officer transparency, racial profiling and a deputy shortage.
McDonnell, who served as sheriff for four years, ran as a leader who was working torestore "the shine to the badge."
Villanueva, a retired lieutenant, positioned himself as a reformer with a longtime reputation as a maverick.
Our reporter Frank Stoltze wants to know for an upcoming project: How did you vote in the L.A. County Sheriff's race -- and why? We'll read every response, but nothing is shared without your permission.