Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s op-ed “So the Left Chants” is a powerful and poignant reflection on the current state of political discourse around crime and law enforcement. Villanueva challenges what he sees as the dominance of partisan slogans over meaningful dialogue, arguing that critical issues of public safety are too often reduced to sound bites.

The piece carries weight not only because of Villanueva’s experience leading the nation’s largest sheriff’s department, but also because of the urgency with which he calls out the consequences of political theater. His essay paints a striking picture of how rhetoric has overshadowed substance, leaving communities caught between ideology and the realities of crime and justice.

With its sharp critique and measured tone, the op-ed resonates as both a defense of Villanueva’s perspective and a call for a more honest, fact-driven conversation about public safety. Its poignancy lies in its reminder that lives and communities are directly affected when political battles drown out solutions.

Villanueva announced his run for Sheriff in the 2026 race in July. To learn more about his priorities to restore and rebuild the largest Sheriff’s department in the nation go to alexvillanueva2026.com