Jim McDonnell leads in LA sheriff's race

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Jim McDonnell was leading the race for Los Angeles County sheriff Tuesday night, with 46 percent of the vote and 18 percent of precincts reporting. Paul Tanaka was a distant second with 15 percent of the vote, and Bob Olmsted was third with 10 percent. If McDonnell does not secure more than 50 percent of votes, then the top two contenders will face off in a runoff election in November.

See California Primary Election Results

McDonnell greeted well-wishers at his campaign party in downtown Tuesday night, confident that voters want new blood in the sheriff's department.

"The voters value a fresh set of eyes, a new perspective and an opportunity to be able to see a different way of doing business than maybe it's been done in the past," said McDonnell.

McDonnell was a longtime assistant chief in the LAPD before taking over as chief of police in Long Beach. He was a latecomer to the race for Los Angeles County Sheriff. It was a decision he made after longtime Sheriff Lee Baca stepped down in January.

"It's still preliminary numbers, so we're cautiously optimistic but looking forward to seeing what the rest of the night holds for us," said McDonnell.

In Gardena, the mood was more subdued. That's where former undersheriff Paul Tanaka greeted supporters.

Tanaka, who is also mayor of Gardena, was once considered an early favorite. Tanaka's campaign had to overcome the fact that he is under investigation for allegedly obstructing an FBI investigation into inmate abuse at the county's downtown jails.

"I've been subjected to a lot of allegations and accusations. When you run for office and you put your name on a ballot, then you have to expect that. You can't take it, then you have no business putting your name on it," said Tanaka. "I believe that we worked really hard to deliver our message."

See California Primary Election Results