Villanueva challenges Luna as LA County primary field takes shape

SUGGESTED COVERAGE: Political strategist talks local and state elections

Matt Klink breaks down the latest headlines in the Los Angeles mayoral and California gubernatorial races.

LOS ANGELES - The race for Los Angeles County’s top law enforcement official has officially become a crowded battleground. 

What we know:

The June 2 primary ballot is taking shape as the filing deadline closes for most county, state, and federal offices on Friday, March 6.

In the high-profile Sheriff’s race, incumbent Robert Luna is defending his record, noting that homicides have dropped by 25% and deputy use of force has decreased by 25% since 2023. 

He faces a field of eight challengers, including:

• Alex Villanueva: The former sheriff seeking to reclaim his office.
• Eric Strong: A retired division chief who placed third in 2022.
• Karla Carranza: A sheriff's sergeant and returning candidate.
• Sonia Montejano: A former senior deputy known for her work on "Judge Judy."

On the Board of Supervisors, Hilda Solis is termed out, leaving her district (Hollywood to Pomona) open for a likely successor in State Sen. María Elena Durazo. 

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Meanwhile, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath faces challengers including Tonia Arey, who is campaigning on a platform of accountability following the Palisades Fire.

Timeline:

• Jan 26 – Feb 4: Filing period for Superior Court judge seats.
• Friday (Today): Primary filing deadline for most county, state, and federal offices.
• Next Wednesday: Extended deadline for offices where an eligible incumbent failed to file.
• March 27: Official list of qualified candidates to be released by the Registrar-Recorder.
• June 2: Primary Election Day.
• November: General Election for the top two finishers in each race.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the verification of signatures and the official certification of the candidate list on March 27. 

Voters will see a packed ballot on June 2, featuring not only local county races but also primaries for Governor, all 52 congressional seats, and the State Assembly.

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If no candidate in the nonpartisan county races (Sheriff, Assessor, Supervisor) receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two will head to a runoff in November.