Robert LunaCandidate

Robert Luna

SheriffDemocrat

CA-Los Angeles County Sheriff

Mexican-American·Los Angeles County Sheriff (2022-present)

Why This Race Matters

Robert Luna is running against Alex Villanueva (former Sheriff, lost 2022 by 22 points); Lt. Oscar Martinez (R, 16-year LASD veteran); Mike Bornman (retired LASD Captain).

Luna seeks reelection to lead the nation's largest sheriff's department with 18,000 personnel. This marks only the second time in a century that an LA County sheriff incumbent faces a serious reelection challenge. Villanueva, backed by the deputies' union with 81.5% support, is seeking a comeback despite his 2022 defeat.

Luna defeated Villanueva 61.26% to 38.74% in 2022 after campaigning on reform and transparency. His record includes 14% homicide reduction in 2024 and the fewest homicides in 5 years. Villanueva claims "lawlessness has become the new normal" under Luna. Lt. Martinez criticizes Luna's handling of excessive force cases. Top-two primary on June 2, 2026; top candidates advance to November general.

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 2, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Robert Luna is the 34th Sheriff of Los Angeles County, commanding the largest sheriff's department in the United States with approximately 18,000 personnel. Born and raised in East Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents, he grew up in a working-class neighborhood patrolled by the very department he now leads. Luna rose from teenage reserve officer to become Long Beach's first Latino Chief of Police in 2014, capping a 36-year career before defeating controversial incumbent Alex Villanueva in 2022 with 61% of the vote.

Family & Heritage

Son of Mexican immigrant parents. Father Roberto immigrated from Sinaloa, Mexico, reaching only eighth grade before working to support family. Mother Angelina was born in Modesto, California, with family roots in Michoacan, Mexico, completing only third grade due to family discouragement of girls' education. Luna was the oldest child and first in his family to graduate high school. Married to Celines Luna (retired FBI analyst) for 22+ years; two adult children, Asher and stepdaughter Cesie Alvarez. Family resides in Long Beach.

Political Career

Before Politics

Long Beach Police Chief (2014-2021) - first Latino in department history; Deputy Chief overseeing Patrol Bureau (2006-2014); 36-year career at Long Beach Police Department starting as reserve officer in 1985; assignments included SWAT, homicide investigations, drug and gang investigations, canine operations, and communications

Education

B.S. in Vocational Education, Cal State Long Beach (2001); M.P.A. in Public Administration, Cal State Long Beach (2006); FBI National Executive Institute; FBI National Academy; Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government; USC Delinquency Control Institute

Key Issues & Priorities

*Reducing violent crime (homicides down 14% in 2024, fewest in 5 years)
*Restoring public trust and transparency (new public dashboard with crime stats, use of force data)
*Addressing homelessness (HOST team contacted 4,500+ individuals, 420 encampment operations)
*Reforming the department (banned deputy gangs, created Office of Constitutional Policing)
*Improving deputy wellness (wellness app, peer support programs)

Suggest an Edit