Sheriff McDonnell remains 'optimistic' over vote despite Villanueva lead

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It's been nearly two weeks since Election Day and the outcome of the Los Angeles County sheriff's race remains up in the air.

With more than 2.1 million votes cast, challenger Alex Villanueva holds a 58,000 vote lead and has declared himself the victor. But incumbent Sheriff Jim McDonnell has not conceded. He remains "hopeful and optimistic," noting there are some 422,000 votes remaining to be counted.

McDonnell hopes whatever the outcome that the department will build on progress he says it's made under him in the last four years.

"We've been able to achieve so many reforms in the last four years," McDonnell said. "My hope is we don't see those undone."

McDonnell spoke with ABC7 in studio on a range of topics, including how his department handled the recent wildfires and preparations for possible mudslides that may occur soon.

To see the full conversation, watch the video above.