Oscar Martinez (California)
From Ballotpedia
Oscar Martinez is running for election for Los Angeles County Sheriff in California. He declared candidacy for the primary scheduled on June 2, 2026.[source]
Martinez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Oscar Martinez was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2000 to 2008. He earned a graduate degree from American Military University in 2007 and a graduate degree from Woodbury University in 2012. His career experience includes working as a law enforcement officer.[1]
Martinez has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- The American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
- Sheriffs' Relief Association
- California Peace Officer Association
- Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
- Los Angeles County Hispanic Managers’ Association
- National Rifle Association
Elections
2026
See also: Municipal elections in Los Angeles County, California (2026)
General election
The primary will occur on June 2, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Nonpartisan primary
Nonpartisan primary election for Los Angeles County Sheriff
Oscar Martinez (Nonpartisan) is running in the primary for Los Angeles County Sheriff on June 2, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Oscar Martinez (Nonpartisan)  | |
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released March 29, 2025 |
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Oscar Martinez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Martinez's responses.
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I came to the United States as a child, an immigrant in search of a better life. Growing up, I learned that success isn’t handed to you, it’s earned through perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to something greater than yourself.
Determined to serve my country, I joined the United States Marine Corps, where I proudly served in combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. My time in the military shaped who I am today, reinforcing the values of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice. I know what it means to stand on the front lines, to fight for what is right, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
After completing my service, I continued my commitment to public safety by joining the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Over the years, I’ve worked in the jails, on patrol, in professional standards, the public information office, and as the chief’s executive aide. Each of these roles has given me a deep understanding of law enforcement at every level, from the day-to-day challenges on the streets to the policies that shape our communities. I believe in accountability, transparency, and building trust between law enforcement and the people we serve.
Today, I live in Los Angeles County with my wife and our two children. As a family, we enjoy attending church, traveling, and camping, cherishing the time we have together. My experiences as an immigrant, a Marine, and a law enforcement officer have taught me that leadership isn’t about power, it’s about service.- Defend and Support Our Law Enforcement Officers
• Restore trust and confidence in department leadership. • End the climate of fear: Deputies should not have to worry that minor mistakes could lead to severe discipline, nor should they feel betrayed by their own leadership. • Stop political appeasement: I will stand firm against anti-law enforcement agendas and ensure deputies are supported, protected, and empowered to act proactively.
• Protect the community: When deputies are supported, communities benefit from effective policing, reduced crime, and safer neighborhoods. - Modernization of the Sheriff’s Department • Embrace new technologies while safeguarding constitutional rights. • Implement modern policing strategies: Invest in cutting-edge tools like drones, non-lethal weapons, synchronized data analytics, and upgraded communication systems to fight crime effectively. • Upgrade equipment: Prioritize providing deputies with advanced patrol equipment, protective gear, and forensic technology to ensure their safety and efficiency in the field.
- Fiscal Responsibility and Smart Resource Allocation • Balance the budget: Eliminate wasteful contracts and mismanagement to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. • Strengthen contract cities: Make sure cities receive the services and resources they pay for, without subsidizing departmental inefficiencies. • Expand deputy numbers: Strategically allocate personnel and resources to deploy deputies where they are needed most, ensuring Los Angeles County has adequate law enforcement coverage.
Fiscal Responsibility and Smart Resource Allocation
• Balance the budget: Eliminate wasteful contracts and mismanagement to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
• Strengthen contract cities: Make sure cities receive the services and resources they pay for, without subsidizing departmental inefficiencies.
I’ve always looked up to Winston Churchill, not just for his leadership during one of the most turbulent times in world history, but for the way he used his deep understanding of the past to shape the present and safeguard the future. Churchill wasn’t just a man of action; he was a student of history. He understood that to lead effectively, you must first understand the forces that brought us to where we are. That mindset, of being grounded in the lessons of history while facing the challenges of the moment, is something I deeply admire and strive to emulate.
What resonates with me most about Churchill is his resilience and unwavering commitment to purpose, especially when the odds were stacked against him. He didn’t bend to fear or public pressure; he stayed true to what he believed was right, even when it was unpopular. That kind of principled leadership is rare, and it’s exactly what we need today. As someone who has served in combat and in law enforcement, I know that decisions made under pressure can change lives. Churchill’s example reminds me to lead with courage, conviction, and historical perspective, to stand firm in the face of adversity and always fight for what’s right, not just what’s easy.
What resonates with me most about Churchill is his resilience and unwavering commitment to purpose, especially when the odds were stacked against him. He didn’t bend to fear or public pressure; he stayed true to what he believed was right, even when it was unpopular. That kind of principled leadership is rare, and it’s exactly what we need today. As someone who has served in combat and in law enforcement, I know that decisions made under pressure can change lives. Churchill’s example reminds me to lead with courage, conviction, and historical perspective, to stand firm in the face of adversity and always fight for what’s right, not just what’s easy.
Books: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Marine Maxims: Turning Leadership Principles into Practice by Thomas J. Gordon
Essay: An Interview with David H. Petraeus, General (USA Retired) - USAWC Press, Winter 12-1-2015
The most important characteristics for an elected official, particularly in a role as critical as Sheriff, begin with integrity, accountability, and service. An official must lead with purpose and moral clarity, committed to the people they serve, not the pressures of political expedience. Leadership in law enforcement requires not only enforcing the law without bias, but also protecting the officers who risk their lives daily to uphold it. A true public servant defends those on the front lines by restoring trust within the department, ending the climate of fear that punishes minor mistakes, and standing firm against political agendas that weaken law enforcement. An effective Sheriff leads by empowering deputies, enhancing wellness support, and promoting a culture where officers are respected, heard, and equipped to succeed. Public safety flourishes when officers are confident, supported, and trained in modern, ethical policing strategies. It also demands transparency and engagement with the public to build community trust and mutual respect.
Additionally, an elected official must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and strategic vision. Effective leadership means making smart, intentional decisions about how resources are allocated, balancing budgets, eliminating waste, and ensuring that contract cities receive the quality service they deserve. It’s about bringing modernization to the forefront, investing in technology that improves outcomes without compromising civil liberties, and ensuring that every dollar spent goes toward safer, stronger neighborhoods. My own life, rising from an immigrant background to serve in the Marine Corps and then in every level of the Sheriff’s Department, has instilled in me the principles of perseverance, discipline, and service before self.
Additionally, an elected official must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and strategic vision. Effective leadership means making smart, intentional decisions about how resources are allocated, balancing budgets, eliminating waste, and ensuring that contract cities receive the quality service they deserve. It’s about bringing modernization to the forefront, investing in technology that improves outcomes without compromising civil liberties, and ensuring that every dollar spent goes toward safer, stronger neighborhoods. My own life, rising from an immigrant background to serve in the Marine Corps and then in every level of the Sheriff’s Department, has instilled in me the principles of perseverance, discipline, and service before self.
The qualities I bring to this office are grounded in lived experience, tested leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service. As an immigrant who came to this country in search of a better life, I’ve never taken opportunity, or responsibility, for granted. I learned early on that success is earned through hard work, perseverance, and integrity. That mindset carried me into the United States Marine Corps, where I served in combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. In those environments, leadership isn’t theoretical, it’s real, immediate, and life-or-death. I learned how to make difficult decisions under pressure, how to lead diverse teams toward a common goal, and how to stand firm in the face of fear. Those lessons built the foundation for the leader I am today, resilient, focused, and guided by a deep sense of duty to something greater than myself.
As a long-serving member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, I’ve worked across nearly every level of the organization, from patrol and jails to professional standards and executive aide. That gives me a uniquely comprehensive understanding of both the operational and policy sides of law enforcement. I know how decisions made at the top ripple through the ranks and into the lives of the people we serve. I bring a principled, mission-driven approach to leadership, one that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and results. I will defend and support our deputies while also modernizing the department to meet today’s public safety challenges. I will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, services are equitably delivered, and the department operates with integrity from top to bottom. My life, my service, and my career have all prepared me to lead, not for recognition or power, but to restore trust, uphold justice, and build a safer, stronger Los Angeles County for every resident.
As a long-serving member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, I’ve worked across nearly every level of the organization, from patrol and jails to professional standards and executive aide. That gives me a uniquely comprehensive understanding of both the operational and policy sides of law enforcement. I know how decisions made at the top ripple through the ranks and into the lives of the people we serve. I bring a principled, mission-driven approach to leadership, one that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and results. I will defend and support our deputies while also modernizing the department to meet today’s public safety challenges. I will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, services are equitably delivered, and the department operates with integrity from top to bottom. My life, my service, and my career have all prepared me to lead, not for recognition or power, but to restore trust, uphold justice, and build a safer, stronger Los Angeles County for every resident.
The core responsibilities of someone elected to the office of Los Angeles County Sheriff begin with restoring the integrity, mission, and functionality of the department. First and foremost, the Sheriff is entrusted with protecting public safety while upholding the Constitution, maintaining community trust, and ensuring fair, unbiased enforcement of the law. This means placing public service above politics and returning the department to its rightful role, serving the people with courage, professionalism, and transparency. A core responsibility is defending and supporting the brave men and women of law enforcement who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. The Sheriff must advocate for these deputies, not abandon them to political trends or internal fear, and must end the punitive climate that has eroded morale and trust in leadership. Supporting law enforcement also means investing in their wellness, addressing the toll of long hours, high stress, and trauma by improving work-life balance, expanding mental health support, and fostering a culture where asking for help is seen as strength, not weakness.
Equally important is the responsibility to modernize and manage the department in a way that is forward-thinking, fiscally sound, and rooted in smart resource allocation. That includes embracing cutting-edge technologies like drones, non-lethal tools, advanced data systems, and upgraded communication networks to fight crime more effectively, while always safeguarding constitutional rights. The Sheriff must be a responsible steward of public funds, eliminating waste and mismanagement, balancing the budget, and ensuring that every dollar goes toward making our neighborhoods safer. Contract cities must receive the level of service they pay for, not be asked to subsidize county inefficiencies. Strategic deployment of personnel and expansion of the force where it’s needed most are essential duties that impact every resident’s safety and well-being.
Equally important is the responsibility to modernize and manage the department in a way that is forward-thinking, fiscally sound, and rooted in smart resource allocation. That includes embracing cutting-edge technologies like drones, non-lethal tools, advanced data systems, and upgraded communication networks to fight crime more effectively, while always safeguarding constitutional rights. The Sheriff must be a responsible steward of public funds, eliminating waste and mismanagement, balancing the budget, and ensuring that every dollar goes toward making our neighborhoods safer. Contract cities must receive the level of service they pay for, not be asked to subsidize county inefficiencies. Strategic deployment of personnel and expansion of the force where it’s needed most are essential duties that impact every resident’s safety and well-being.
The legacy I want to leave is one of principled leadership, restored trust, and a department that stands as a model of integrity, strength, and service. I want to be remembered as the Sheriff who brought the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department back to its core mission, serving and protecting the people with honor, transparency, and fairness. I want to create a department where deputies are no longer afraid of their own leadership, but feel supported, valued, and empowered to do the job they signed up for: keeping our communities safe. By standing firm against political appeasement and bureaucracy that undermines our deputies, I will work to rebuild morale from the inside out, creating a culture where law enforcement wellness is prioritized, excellence is expected, and community safety is achieved through proactive, professional policing. If we can restore confidence inside the department, we can restore trust outside of it, and that’s a legacy worth building.
But my vision doesn’t stop with law enforcement morale, it extends to how we manage our resources, serve our contract cities, and prepare this department for the future. I want to leave behind a department that is more modern, more efficient, and more responsive than the one I inherited. That means investing in new technologies without sacrificing civil liberties, upgrading the tools and training our deputies rely on, and allocating resources where they’re needed most. It also means being a responsible steward of public funds, eliminating wasteful contracts, and ensuring every tax dollar contributes to a safer, stronger Los Angeles County. When I leave office, I want the people of this county to feel safer, the department to be more respected, and every resident, regardless of background or ZIP code, to know they were served by a Sheriff who led with integrity, upheld the law without bias, and never forgot that leadership is about service, not self-interest. That’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.
But my vision doesn’t stop with law enforcement morale, it extends to how we manage our resources, serve our contract cities, and prepare this department for the future. I want to leave behind a department that is more modern, more efficient, and more responsive than the one I inherited. That means investing in new technologies without sacrificing civil liberties, upgrading the tools and training our deputies rely on, and allocating resources where they’re needed most. It also means being a responsible steward of public funds, eliminating wasteful contracts, and ensuring every tax dollar contributes to a safer, stronger Los Angeles County. When I leave office, I want the people of this county to feel safer, the department to be more respected, and every resident, regardless of background or ZIP code, to know they were served by a Sheriff who led with integrity, upheld the law without bias, and never forgot that leadership is about service, not self-interest. That’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.
The first historical event that I vividly remember from my lifetime is the September 11th attacks. I had just joined the United States Marine Corps when it happened, I was young, full of purpose, and still learning what it truly meant to serve. Like so many Americans, I watched in shock and anger as our country was attacked. But unlike most, I knew that I had signed up to do something about it. That day wasn’t just a moment in history, it became a defining moment in my life.
9/11 propelled me into the heart of two wars, first in Afghanistan, then in Iraq. It transformed my service from training and preparation into real-world combat deployments. I saw firsthand what it means to stand on the front lines, to protect others, and to fight for something greater than yourself. That experience shaped who I am today. It deepened my understanding of sacrifice, leadership, and the weight of responsibility. And it continues to fuel my commitment to public service and keeping our communities safe here at home.
9/11 propelled me into the heart of two wars, first in Afghanistan, then in Iraq. It transformed my service from training and preparation into real-world combat deployments. I saw firsthand what it means to stand on the front lines, to protect others, and to fight for something greater than yourself. That experience shaped who I am today. It deepened my understanding of sacrifice, leadership, and the weight of responsibility. And it continues to fuel my commitment to public service and keeping our communities safe here at home.
My very first job was at Dunkin’ Donuts when I was a teenager. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest work, and it taught me a lot about responsibility, showing up on time, and dealing with people from all walks of life. I learned how to work under pressure during the morning rush, manage customer expectations, and be part of a team where everyone had to do their part to keep things running smoothly. That job taught me discipline and humility, two values that have stayed with me ever since.
I stayed at Dunkin’ until I made the decision to join the United States Marine Corps and serve my country. Leaving that job to pursue a life of service was a turning point for me. The work ethic I developed behind that counter helped prepare me for the challenges I would face in the military, where discipline, teamwork, and perseverance aren't just helpful, they’re essential. That first job may have been small in the grand scheme of things, but it laid the foundation for the leadership journey I’ve been on ever since.
I stayed at Dunkin’ until I made the decision to join the United States Marine Corps and serve my country. Leaving that job to pursue a life of service was a turning point for me. The work ethic I developed behind that counter helped prepare me for the challenges I would face in the military, where discipline, teamwork, and perseverance aren't just helpful, they’re essential. That first job may have been small in the grand scheme of things, but it laid the foundation for the leadership journey I’ve been on ever since.
Two of my favorite books, The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Marine Maxims: Turning Leadership Principles into Practice by Thomas J. Gordon, have each had a lasting impact on how I lead, think, and serve. While they differ in style and perspective, they both offer deep insights into leadership, discipline, and the human dynamics that come with holding responsibility. Together, they’ve helped shape not only my professional philosophy, but my personal growth as well.
The 48 Laws of Power is a strategic guide to understanding influence, decision-making, and the complexities of human behavior, especially in high-stakes environments like the military, law enforcement, and public office. While not every law aligns with my values, I appreciate the book's honest examination of how power is used, both for good and for harm. It has taught me to be more aware of the political and psychological realities that exist in leadership roles, helping me anticipate challenges, navigate conflict, and remain focused on the bigger picture without compromising my principles.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Captain America, not because of the super-soldier serum or the shield, but because of what he stands for: integrity, courage, and doing what's right, even when it's hard. He leads by example, puts mission and team above ego, and never backs down from a fight when people are counting on him. He's a symbol of strength with humility, and he doesn’t just follow orders, he follows a moral compass. That kind of character mirrors the kind of leader I strive to be: principled, resilient, and always willing to stand up for what’s right, no matter the cost.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl 2025 - it’s everywhere as of this writing!
One of the greatest struggles in my life has been navigating the feeling of not fully belonging, of always having to prove myself, first as an immigrant, then as a young Marine, and later as a law enforcement officer in one of the most complex and challenging counties in America. Coming to the United States as a child in search of a better life, I was immediately faced with the challenge of adapting to a new language, culture, and expectations. Nothing came easy. I had to fight to find my place, to earn respect, and to build a future through grit and discipline. That struggle didn’t end when I put on a uniform; it simply evolved. Whether serving in combat zones overseas or later walking the line in Los Angeles County, I’ve had to carry the weight of responsibility while overcoming the pressure to prove that I belonged in each room, at each rank, and in every leadership opportunity.
But those struggles made me stronger and more grounded. They shaped my belief that leadership is earned, not granted, and that public service must be driven by humility, accountability, and purpose. I’ve taken those experiences and channeled them into a leadership style that prioritizes people first, supporting our deputies, modernizing our department with real-world solutions, and managing resources wisely because I know what it’s like to go without. The struggle of feeling like an outsider taught me to lead with empathy, to value every voice, and to stand up for those who feel overlooked or unsupported, whether that’s a deputy in need of backup or a community waiting for its call to be answered. I carry those lessons with me in every decision, and they are the foundation of the kind of Sheriff, and servant, I aim to be.
But those struggles made me stronger and more grounded. They shaped my belief that leadership is earned, not granted, and that public service must be driven by humility, accountability, and purpose. I’ve taken those experiences and channeled them into a leadership style that prioritizes people first, supporting our deputies, modernizing our department with real-world solutions, and managing resources wisely because I know what it’s like to go without. The struggle of feeling like an outsider taught me to lead with empathy, to value every voice, and to stand up for those who feel overlooked or unsupported, whether that’s a deputy in need of backup or a community waiting for its call to be answered. I carry those lessons with me in every decision, and they are the foundation of the kind of Sheriff, and servant, I aim to be.
Why did the scarecrow get promoted? Because he was outstanding in his field.
Financial transparency and government accountability are not optional, they are essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring our institutions work for the people, not political insiders. As Sheriff, one of my core responsibilities will be to make sure every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely, efficiently, and in alignment with public safety priorities. That means eliminating wasteful contracts, ending mismanagement, and holding leadership accountable for results. Our department should not be subsidizing inefficiencies or falling into patterns of unchecked spending. Instead, we must ensure that contract cities receive the quality law enforcement services they are paying for, and that our department’s budget reflects the needs of our communities, not the whims of bureaucrats or political agendas. Fiscal discipline is about more than numbers, it’s about honoring the public’s investment and demonstrating that we take their trust seriously.
Transparency is also about leadership that doesn’t hide behind red tape or silence when things go wrong. It means being open about how resources are used, how decisions are made, and how outcomes are measured. As someone who has served this country on the front lines and worked across multiple divisions of the Sheriff’s Department, I know the importance of structure, accountability, and results-driven leadership. I will make sure that the department’s financial decisions are shared openly, that performance is evaluated honestly, and that the public has a clear understanding of how their money is being used to keep them safe. This kind of openness fosters trust, invites collaboration, and strengthens our democracy. As Sheriff, I won’t just demand accountability from others, I will model it myself, every single day.
Transparency is also about leadership that doesn’t hide behind red tape or silence when things go wrong. It means being open about how resources are used, how decisions are made, and how outcomes are measured. As someone who has served this country on the front lines and worked across multiple divisions of the Sheriff’s Department, I know the importance of structure, accountability, and results-driven leadership. I will make sure that the department’s financial decisions are shared openly, that performance is evaluated honestly, and that the public has a clear understanding of how their money is being used to keep them safe. This kind of openness fosters trust, invites collaboration, and strengthens our democracy. As Sheriff, I won’t just demand accountability from others, I will model it myself, every single day.
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See also
2026 Elections
External links
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