Local Politics · El Dorado County
El Dorado County Sheriff Leikauf to Retire; Successor Selection at Oct. 20 Meeting
El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf announced this week he will retire at year's end after a 36-year career, citing a state law change extending sheriffs' terms from four to six years as one factor. The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss selecting his successor at its Oct. 20 meeting; Leikauf plans to recommend Undersheriff Eric Palmberg. Former Sheriff John D'Agostini, who endorsed Leikauf's campaign and plans to run again in 2028, publicly called for Leikauf's resignation and accused him of shifting priorities away from community service—claims Leikauf dismissed as "ridiculous" and "inciting." District Attorney Vern Pierson praised the department and congratulated Leikauf on his decades of service.