Who Takes Over As SMC Sheriff After The Board Removed Corpus?

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — After the board of supervisors chose to remove the sheriff in San Mateo County a chasm remains as locals wonder who will take her place.

On Tuesday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus after accusing her of retaliation and a major conflict of interest. Corpus has denied all wrongdoing and is suing the county for $10 million saying she was targeted for being a woman and Latinx.

Now the board has a position to fill.

In the meantime, Undersheriff Dan Perea will assume the sheriff's duties but he will not be elevated to the position of interim sheriff.

"The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office wishes to assure our communities that our public safety service remains constant and uninterrupted," Perea said in a statement. "The Sheriff's Office remains dedicated to protecting lives and property and is committed to providing the highest level of professional law enforcement and correctional services. "

In accordance with Government Code section 24105, the Undersheriff will discharge the duties of the Sheriff's office during this vacancy, until the position is filled.

Perea assumed the role of undersheriff in July 2024, following the departure of Chris Hsiung, the previous undersheriff.

Perea consistently supported Corpus amidst the past year's chaos and scandal, often appearing by her side publicly.

The Board faces a 30-day deadline to either appoint an interim sheriff or schedule a special election for voters to decide. Following the Board's vote, Board President David Canepa and Supervisor Jackie Speier indicated their preference for a special election during a briefing.