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EXCLUSIVE - In a highly competitive race for Los Angeles City Attorney, John McKinney has taken the "law & order" lane in his campaign to oust incumbent Hydee Feldstein-Soto and defeat DSA-backed candidate Marissa Roy.
Feldstein-Soto was the upset winner four years ago in that open seat contest, as she finds herself in another tough race for reelection.
As of April 18th, the incumbent has raised roughly $832,000, while McKinney, who jumped in late, raised some $73,000, but independent expenditures on his behalf total an impressive $789,000. Roy has raised nearly $620,000 with $563,626 in city matching funds, while Soto has qualified for $399,660.
The position of city attorney pays $276,000 and is the top law enforcement officer for the city of Los Angeles.
The City Attorney handles mostly civil and misdemeanor criminal cases.
McKinney, a lifetime prosecutor originally from New Jersey, graduated from Passaic High School where he played football and received his BA from Rutgers University. McKinney was originally going to attend Seton Hall Law School, but the opportunity to come west came his way, and he received his law degree from UCLA.
The 58-year-old McKinney is single and currently serves as Director of the Bureau of Specialized Prosecutions under Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who has endorsed his candidacy.
McKinney has expressed a deep empathy for victims of crime, and that he sees his primary role as "defender & protector" of the citizens for Los Angeles.
McKinney also wants to save tax dollars, and that he sees himself as the experienced litigator that can modernize the office and limit the city's overall financial exposure through thoughtful litigation and leadership.
McKinney also spoke to the number of high dollar cases in excess of $1M or more (51) since July of 2024 that are resulting in higher than usual payouts.
Already managing some 300 staffers in his current capacity, McKinney feels comfortable in leading the 550 or so lawyers in the City Attorney's office. McKinney said his goal would be to cut down on outside counsel, and that his background in public safety, protecting tax dollars and getting the unhoused indoors are at the heart of his platform.
Regarding charter reform, McKinney believes the City Attorney should remain directly elected, and that his close association with the law enforcement community makes him the natural and logical candidate in this competitive and crowded field.
McKinney also enjoys the support of the Los Angeles Police Protective League (PPL), the Central City Association & Latin Business Association.
Below is our Q&A with the challenger:
You were previously a candidate for LA County District Attorney and currently work in that office. What is the difference between being in the DA's office versus the LA City Attorney?
A: While both offices share some responsibilities, the City Attorney’s Office is distinct because its work extends well beyond criminal matters. In addition to handling certain prosecutions, the office also has broad civil responsibilities. It also has a significant governmental and policy component, because the City Attorney serves as legal advisor to the Mayor, the City Council, department heads, and commissions across Los Angeles city government.
Compare and contrast the two and how has your time in the DA's Office prepared you for this campaign?
A: The City Attorney and District Attorney’s office are both responsible for enforcing criminal laws and holding individuals accountable in a fair and proportional manner. My experience as a Deputy District Attorney has prepared me to lead the City Attorney’s office by providing me the opportunity to use my strong litigation skills, a real command and understanding of the legal system and the opportunity to make high stakes decisions that have helped me to become a leader in the District Attorney’s office that will translate into serving as the City Attorney.
What are the differences between you and the incumbent, Hydee Feldstein Soto? What would you do differently?
A: I am a lifelong public servant; Feldstein Soto spent most of her career in the private sector; I have 28 years of experience in the court room handling cases; Hydee has no experience in criminal law besides serving as City Attorney and had very little litigation experience.
I would restart the Neighborhood Prosecutor Program—an initiative launched in the early 2000s under former City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo that created a direct liaison between communities and the City Attorney’s Office. It helped residents and neighborhood leaders address persistent quality-of-life issues quickly and effectively. That connection should be strengthened, not eliminated as current City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto did in the spring of 2023.
I would restore specialization in domestic violence prosecution. These cases demand focused expertise, consistent practices, and survivor-centered support. Removing that specialization undermines outcomes and sends the wrong message to victims and families. On the civil side, I’d focus on reducing the city’s liability and upgrade and reform our litigation strategy.
Would you consider yourself a "law & order" candidate?
Yes. I believe in law and order. Public safety is the government’s most basic responsibility—the foundation for opportunity, strong communities, and trust in our institutions. People should feel safe at home, at work, and in the public places they rely on every day. That starts with shared responsibility: individuals respecting the law and one another, and public institutions doing their jobs with integrity.
Do you have a preference for mayor?
A: No. I’ll let the people of Los Angeles decide. I am ready to work with whomever is elected.
Do you support any of the charter reform measures being proposed as they could apply to the City Attorney?
A: The only reasons we are having this discussion is because of the failures of the incumbent. The job does not need to be split. It just needs to be held by someone competent.
Many voters want both safer neighborhoods and fair treatment by the justice system. What policies do you support that accomplish both goals?
A: I support a highly trained Los Angeles Police Department as well as a fair and proportional justice system. I believe in a justice system that is fair, consistent, and grounded in respect for people and the rule of law. That means holding everyone accountable—those who break the law, and those entrusted to enforce it—while safeguarding integrity, due process, and public trust.
What metrics should voters use to judge whether the City Attorney’s Office is succeeding under your leadership?
A: On the Public Safety side, my goal is for people to feel safer particularly in our shared outdoor spaces – I would expect to make a substantial progress against homelessness; Los Angeles needs stronger, steadier leadership on the civil side of the office. Lawsuit payouts are rising to levels taxpayers cannot sustain, and the city needs better judgment about when to fight and when to settle.
In 2024-25, Los Angeles paid a staggering $286 million in lawsuit settlements and judgments. We must reduce that burden by improving strategy, risk assessment, and day-to-day legal management—without compromising accountability when the city is in the wrong.
How would you handle disagreements with the Mayor or City Council if you believe political pressure conflicts with the law or the public interest?
A: As City Attorney, I am accountable to the people, and my job is to uphold the law; therefore if there were a conflict between what the Mayor or City Council wanted to do and the law demands, and I would always side with what the law demands.
Name any significant endorsements you have received, and what is your spending budget for this campaign?
A: Most recently, I have earned the endorsement of District Attorney Nathan Hochman; the Los Angeles Police Protective League; Central City Association; and the Latin Business Association. Earlier this year, former LA District Attorneys Jackie Lacey and Steve Cooley endorsed me as well.
If I were a voter, what would be the three things you want me to know about you?
Nobody in this race has the amount of criminal prosecution experience than I do. I have been a Prosecutor for 28 years in Los Angeles; have tried and won convictions in 40 separate murder cases; have earned the support of District Attorney Nathan Hochman; two former District Attorneys (Steve Cooley and Jackie Lacey).
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of Los Angeles and is currently covering the numerous municipal and judicial races on the June 2nd Primary ballot. Have a take or a tip? Contact him via e-mail at [email protected]. Antonicello is a regular contributor to City Watch LA. )
