A lieutenant from the Palmdale sheriff’s station has announced his candidacy to challenge Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna in the upcoming primary election. Lt. Oscar Martinez made this announcement during a campaign kick-off event in Santa Clarita. He aims to provide strong leadership and modernize the sheriff’s department, which is the largest in the country.
Martinez, a U.S. Marine combat veteran with 16 years of service in the sheriff’s department, emphasized his commitment to public safety over personal gain. He expressed concern about the influence of radical agendas on law enforcement and the community. "Today, I am putting my career and everything that I’ve worked for on the line," he said, highlighting his dedication to the future of public safety.
Despite being a registered Republican in a predominantly Democratic area, Martinez believes his focus on nonpartisan issues will resonate with voters. He stated, "This is a nonpartisan race, and I’m running to protect the citizens of this county."
Born in the Dominican Republic, Martinez immigrated to the U.S. as a child and served in the Marines before joining the sheriff’s department in 2008. His experience includes working in jails and serving as a spokesperson for the department. Currently, he is the watch commander at the Palmdale station.
Martinez’s decision to run was influenced by encouragement from fellow deputies and community members, especially following a recent controversial incident involving a sheriff’s deputy convicted of excessive force. He expressed concern that deputies feel unsupported and fear repercussions for their actions.
His campaign priorities include defending the Second Amendment, increasing resources for veterans in law enforcement, and addressing the release of violent criminals. He also aims to reform California’s immigration enforcement policies, advocating for better collaboration with ICE.
Martinez plans to modernize the department’s outdated systems, such as its dispatch and transport services, while ensuring fiscal responsibility. He acknowledged the existence of cliques within the department, attributing this to a lack of leadership, and promised to foster a more inclusive environment.
Challenging an incumbent sheriff is no easy feat, as incumbents typically win re-election around 90% of the time. In the last century, only two sheriffs in Los Angeles County have been voted out of office. Sheriff Luna, who took office in 2022, has touted his record of reducing violent crime and increasing public trust in the department.
As the race heats up, Martinez’s campaign reflects a desire for change in the sheriff’s department, aiming to address concerns from both deputies and the community.