LA County election filing opens with high-stakes sheriff rematch

Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva challenges incumbent Robert Luna in a closely watched race

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Candidate filing for the June 2026 Los Angeles County primary election has opened, featuring key races for the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff, and several Congressional seats. Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva is among the challengers launching bids against incumbent Sheriff Robert Luna, setting up a high-stakes rematch of the 2022 election.

Why it matters

The race for LA County Sheriff is a closely watched contest, with the incumbent facing a challenge from the former sheriff. The outcome could have significant implications for law enforcement policies and oversight in the region.

The details

Candidate filing began on Monday for federal, state, and county offices appearing on the June 2 primary ballot. In the race for LA County Sheriff, former Sheriff Alex Villanueva is among several challengers taking on incumbent Sheriff Robert Luna. This sets up a rematch of the 2022 election. Several other veteran law enforcement officers, including Eric Strong and Brendan Corbett, are also running for the sheriff's office.

  • Candidate filing began on February 9, 2026.
  • The standard filing deadline for most offices is March 6, 2026.
  • The extended deadline for offices where no incumbent files for re-election is March 11, 2026.
  • The primary election will be held on June 2, 2026.
  • The general election for the top-two finishers in each race will be on November 3, 2026.

The players

María Elena Durazo

State Senator who is the frontrunner to replace term-limited Supervisor Hilda Solis in the First District, which covers a massive swath from Hollywood to Pomona.

Lindsey Horvath

Incumbent Supervisor in the Third District who is seeking a second term and has already secured key environmental endorsements.

Alex Villanueva

Former LA County Sheriff who is challenging incumbent Sheriff Robert Luna in a high-stakes rematch of the 2022 election.

Robert Luna

Incumbent LA County Sheriff who is facing a challenge from former Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

Tonia Arey

Community member running for the Third District Supervisor seat, citing the handling of recent wildfires as a primary motivation.

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What they’re saying

“The Pacific Palisades fire and its aftermath were a breaking point for me... because of the irresponsible and negligent way it was handled. There was no real accountability. No plan for the surrounding communities. And no urgency from those in power.”

— Tonia Arey, Community member and candidate for Third District Supervisor (Tonia Arey's website)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The race for LA County Sheriff is a high-stakes rematch that could have significant implications for law enforcement policies and oversight in the region. Voters will have a clear choice between the incumbent and the former sheriff, with the outcome potentially shaping the future direction of the sheriff's office.