Historic Removal of Sheriff Marks First in California

Thu Oct 16 2025 14:53:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In an unprecedented move, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus from office, setting a significant precedent in California law enforcement history.

For the first time in California's history, a county sheriff has been removed from office. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors took this historic step following a report detailing policy violations by Sheriff Christina Corpus regarding nepotism and inappropriate conduct. Despite her arguments for reform, the board's decision was facilitated by a recent ballot measure allowing such an action. Her removal follows a year of allegations and a trial led by retired judge James Emerson, who found sufficient cause for the removal based on past conduct.

In a landmark decision, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus from her position, marking the first instance of a sheriff being ousted in California history.

This decision came approximately one year after a comprehensive report from a retired county judge asserted that Corpus likely violated county policies related to nepotism and conflicted relationships.

Supervisor Jackie Speier, who previously served in Congress, expressed that the removal marked the conclusion of a 'tragic, destructive and grossly expensive chapter' in San Mateo County's governance. She reflected on her initial support for Corpus, noting the aspirations for reform that had ultimately faltered.

For the removal to take effect, a county ballot measure had to pass, granting the board the authority to dismiss the sheriff. Corpus now has 14 days to appeal the decision, during which time the county's undersheriff will assume her duties.

In a passionate defense at the board meeting, Corpus insisted on her reformative agenda and claimed resistance from established powers within the county as a barrier to her efforts. “I have sacrificed my peace, my marriage, for this job,” said Corpus, expressing determination to uphold her integrity despite the removal.

The legal battle surrounding Corpus's removal has drawn significant attention, including defense from former Obama administration Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, who highlighted the difficult challenges encountered in seeking cultural change within the department.

Corpus is now responsible for her own legal costs following the board's final decision, which came after a trial revealing troubling aspects of her tenure, including allegations of retaliatory actions against staff and inappropriate conduct with subordinates.

Supporters and detractors of Corpus voiced their opinions during the public comment period, showcasing a community deeply divided on her leadership. The forthcoming weeks will determine the future of her tenure as the sheriff of San Mateo County.