UNITED STATES — LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA | NOVEMBER 2, 2026, - Two Candidates Present Different Approaches to Los Angeles, The race for Los Angeles city attorney has become an important part of the city's 2026 election, with candidates Marissa Roy and John McKinney presenting different approaches to the responsibilities of the municipal legal office. Their campaigns have focused on public safety, civil litigation, workers' rights, tenant protections and the relationship between local government and federal authorities.
In an interview published by USC Annenberg Media on November 1, 2026, both candidates discussed their campaign platforms and explained how they would approach the position if elected. The report, written by Benjamin Gamson, provides insight into the policy differences shaping the Los Angeles City Attorney contest.
The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Voters are choosing between two candidates who have professional backgrounds in law but different perspectives on how the office should serve residents and represent the city.
Roy, an assistant attorney general with the California Department of Justice, has emphasised litigation, consumer protection, tenant interests and workers' rights. McKinney, an assistant district attorney with Los Angeles County, has placed public safety, criminal prosecution and consistent enforcement of local laws at the centre of his campaign.
The Los Angeles Election 2026 therefore presents voters with a choice about the direction of an office that combines municipal legal representation with certain criminal prosecution responsibilities.
Facts and Background of the Los Angeles City Attorney Race
What Is the Los Angeles City Attorney Position?
The Los Angeles City Attorney is the chief legal representative of the municipal government. The position involves advising elected officials, city departments, boards and commissions on legal matters. The office also handles civil litigation involving the city, prepares legal documents and prosecutes misdemeanor offenses under its jurisdiction.
According to the LAist election guide, the office includes more than 550 lawyers who work across a broad range of municipal legal responsibilities. These duties can involve defending Los Angeles against lawsuits, initiating legal proceedings when appropriate and interpreting local laws and the city charter.
The position should not be confused with that of the Los Angeles County district attorney. The city attorney handles misdemeanor prosecutions within Los Angeles, while felony prosecutions fall under the responsibility of the county district attorney. This distinction is important when assessing the candidates' proposals concerning criminal justice and public safety.
The City Attorney Race is consequently relevant to residents, businesses, employees, property owners and local government agencies. Decisions made by the office can influence how municipal regulations are interpreted, how legal disputes are handled and how local criminal laws are enforced.
Who Are the Candidates?
The two candidates competing in the November 2026 general election are Marissa Roy and John McKinney.
Marissa Roy: Legal Experience and Community Interests
Marissa Roy serves as a deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice. Her professional experience includes consumer protection and previous work involving Los Angeles municipal legal matters.
According to LAist, Roy previously participated in a Justice Catalyst Fellowship at the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office in 2017. She subsequently worked as outside counsel for Los Angeles County and was involved in legal matters concerning the first Trump administration.
Her campaign has placed particular attention on tenant protections, workers' rights, corporate accountability and the use of civil litigation to address issues affecting local communities.
Roy has also received endorsements from California U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla. The Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America has endorsed her campaign as well.
John McKinney: Prosecutorial Experience and Public Safety
John McKinney is a deputy district attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. His professional background includes criminal prosecution, courtroom proceedings and management responsibilities.
LAist reports that McKinney has worked in the Victim Impact Program, juvenile court system, Hardcore Gang Unit and Major Crimes Division. His career has included prosecuting serious criminal cases, including the case involving the 2019 killing of rapper Nipsey Hussle.
McKinney attended UCLA School of Law and previously sought the county district attorney position in the 2024 election.
His current campaign focuses on public safety, neighborhood protection and consistent enforcement of laws concerning misdemeanor offenses.
His endorsements include Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, the Los Angeles Police Protective League and City Councilmember Traci Park.
Where and When Is the Election Taking Place?
The contest concerns the City Attorney's Office in Los Angeles, California, United States.
The general municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The candidates advanced from the June 2 primary after incumbent City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto finished third and did not advance to the general election.
The Los Angeles City Clerk identifies the city attorney position as one of the offices being decided in the November general municipal election.
How Did the Candidates Reach the General Election?
The contest developed through the municipal primary process, in which voters considered several candidates seeking the city attorney position.
Marissa Roy and John McKinney advanced after receiving sufficient support in the June primary. Their campaigns subsequently concentrated on explaining their professional backgrounds, policy priorities and approaches to municipal legal responsibilities.
The outcome of the primary also reflected dissatisfaction among some voters with the incumbent administration. Reporting by the Los Angeles Times described criticism concerning litigation costs and controversy surrounding the handling of sensitive information within the previous administration.
The resulting general election has placed two different legal philosophies before Los Angeles voters.
Main Information and Policy Priorities of Both Candidates
Roy's Approach to Litigation and Workers' Rights
A central element of Roy's campaign is her proposal to use the city attorney's legal authority to address issues affecting workers, tenants and consumers.
Her position includes examining possible legal action against businesses when evidence indicates violations of applicable laws. She has also discussed pursuing cases involving housing conditions, employment practices and corporate conduct.
In her November 1 interview with USC Annenberg Media, Roy discussed the Lineage warehouse fire investigation in Boyle Heights. She argued that the city attorney's office should take a more active role in examining the circumstances and considering whether legal action is appropriate.
The issue illustrates her broader argument that the municipal legal office can participate in addressing matters that affect local communities, rather than concentrating exclusively on responding to lawsuits against the city.
Roy has also discussed legal action involving federal immigration enforcement. She said that, if elected, she would participate in litigation challenging actions by the Trump administration when she believes legal grounds exist.
Her position includes examining the conduct of federal immigration officers and businesses associated with immigration enforcement activities.
These proposals would require careful consideration of jurisdiction, constitutional authority, available evidence and the legal responsibilities of municipal government.
McKinney's Approach to Public Safety
McKinney has presented public safety as a central responsibility of local government.
His campaign focuses on misdemeanor offenses and activities that can affect daily life in residential and commercial neighborhoods. Examples he has identified include vandalism, street takeovers, prostitution and repeated retail theft.
In his interview with USC Annenberg Media, McKinney argued that enforcement of local laws should be consistent. He expressed concern that recurring misdemeanor offenses can affect residents' confidence in neighborhood safety.
He has also referred to crime statistics during the administration of Mayor Karen Bass. According to figures cited in the interview, homicides declined by 47% and shooting victims by 50% since Bass took office in 2022. Those figures were presented as part of McKinney's discussion of public safety and should be understood in the context of the specific period and measures he cited.
McKinney has indicated that his prosecutorial background would inform his decisions about misdemeanor enforcement and cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.
He also argues that management experience is important because the city attorney's office is a large organization with substantial legal and administrative responsibilities.
Criminal Justice and Prosecution
Criminal justice is one of the central differences between the candidates.
Roy has discussed an individualized approach to misdemeanor cases. She has suggested that prosecutors should have access to different options when determining how to handle cases, particularly when defendants are accused of nonviolent offenses.
These options may include diversion programs, vocational assistance and other alternatives where legally appropriate.
Her position does not mean that every misdemeanor would be excluded from prosecution. Rather, she has described an approach in which prosecutors consider the circumstances of individual cases and available legal options.
McKinney, by contrast, has emphasised enforcement and accountability. His campaign argues that consistent prosecution of offenses is necessary to address recurring problems in public spaces and commercial districts.
The difference concerns how prosecutors should exercise discretion, which cases should receive priority and what role alternative programs should play in municipal criminal justice.
Both approaches operate within the legal authority of the city attorney. Neither candidate can independently change the responsibilities assigned to the county district attorney or the limits established by state law.
Experience and Office Management
Management of the municipal legal office is another important campaign issue.
McKinney has cited nearly 30 years of legal experience and his responsibility for overseeing the work of more than 300 lawyers and staff members in his current professional role.
He argues that the city attorney must understand litigation, courtroom procedures and organizational management from the beginning of the term.
Roy's professional background is different. Her experience includes state government litigation, consumer protection and previous work connected to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office.
She graduated from Yale Law School in 2017 and also studied at the University of Southern California.
For voters evaluating the Municipal Legal Office, the relevant considerations include professional experience, administrative capability, understanding of local government and the ability to make decisions within established legal boundaries.
Neither a candidate's professional background nor an endorsement automatically establishes how effectively that person would manage the office. Actual performance would depend on decisions, resources, staff coordination and the legal circumstances encountered during the term.
Additional Information, Legal Processes and Challenges
How the City Attorney's Office Operates
The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office performs several functions that affect the city's daily administration.
Its responsibilities generally fall into three main areas:
- Government legal representation: Advising the mayor, City Council, municipal departments and other public bodies on legal questions.
- Civil litigation: Representing the city in legal disputes, defending municipal interests and initiating lawsuits when legally justified.
- Misdemeanor prosecution: Handling criminal cases that fall within the city attorney's jurisdiction.
These responsibilities require coordination between attorneys, investigators, government employees and other legal institutions.
The office must also consider court decisions, applicable state and federal laws, municipal regulations and the Los Angeles City Charter.
The next city attorney will inherit an established legal organization rather than create a new government institution. Consequently, changes in policy would need to operate within existing laws, staffing arrangements and available public resources.
Roy's Proposed Litigation Strategy
Roy has indicated that she would examine opportunities for the city to participate in legal proceedings involving federal government policies and matters affecting Los Angeles residents.
Her campaign has also highlighted the importance of tenant protections and employment rights.
One example is her reference to the Lineage warehouse fire in Boyle Heights. She has called for an active investigation and consideration of potential legal action.
However, investigations and lawsuits involve several stages. Authorities must establish relevant facts, identify applicable laws, evaluate evidence and determine whether the city has legal standing to pursue a case.
The filing of a lawsuit does not automatically establish wrongdoing. Any legal allegations must be examined through the appropriate judicial process.
Roy's proposed approach would therefore involve balancing her campaign priorities with the city's legal authority, available evidence and litigation resources.
McKinney's Proposed Enforcement Strategy
McKinney's approach places greater attention on the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses and cooperation with law enforcement.
The process generally begins when an alleged violation is reported or identified. Authorities gather relevant information, examine the evidence and determine whether the available material supports prosecution.
Prosecutors must consider the applicable law, the circumstances of the incident and the legal rights of the individuals involved.
McKinney has argued that recurring offenses require consistent attention. His campaign identifies retail theft, vandalism and street-related disturbances as issues affecting local neighborhoods.
Implementing this approach would require coordination with police departments, prosecutors, courts and municipal agencies.
It would also involve decisions about staffing, case priorities, courtroom capacity and the allocation of public funds.
Risks and Challenges Facing the Next Administration
Regardless of who wins, the incoming city attorney will face several institutional challenges.
First, litigation management: Los Angeles must balance the costs of defending lawsuits with the responsibility to protect public resources and address legitimate legal claims.
Second, criminal justice priorities: The office must determine how to allocate prosecutorial resources while respecting due process and the legal rights of defendants.
Third, federal and local government relations: Immigration enforcement and disputes concerning federal authority may require the city to consider legal action or respond to proceedings initiated by other parties.
Fourth, public accountability: Residents expect municipal officials to explain important legal decisions, manage public resources responsibly and maintain confidence in government institutions.
These challenges cannot be resolved through campaign statements alone. They require administrative planning, legal analysis, cooperation with other agencies and transparent decision-making.
Comparison and Analysis of the Candidates' Visions
Different Priorities, Shared Institutional Responsibilities
Marissa Roy and John McKinney are competing for the same municipal position, but their campaign messages place different emphasis on how the office should use its legal authority.
Policy area | Marissa Roy | John McKinney |
|---|---|---|
Public safety | Individualised prosecution and community interests | Consistent enforcement |
Workers' rights | Central campaign priority | Not a central campaign theme |
Tenant protections | Central campaign priority | Not a central campaign theme |
Criminal justice | Diversion options for eligible cases | Prosecution and accountability |
Federal relations | Active litigation where legally justified | Balancing federal authority and local responsibilities |
Management | State litigation and consumer protection experience | Prosecutorial and management experience |
This comparison reflects their publicly reported campaign positions rather than a prediction of future performance.
Advantages and Limitations of Roy's Approach
Roy's experience in government litigation and consumer protection is relevant to the civil responsibilities of the city attorney.
Her campaign's emphasis on tenant and worker protections may appeal to voters who want the municipal legal office to address employment disputes, housing concerns and corporate conduct.
Her proposals concerning federal litigation also establish a clear position on the relationship between local government and national policy.
However, pursuing additional litigation requires financial resources, sufficient evidence and a valid legal basis. Lawsuits can involve lengthy proceedings, uncertain outcomes and demands on public legal staff.
The practical implementation of Roy's proposals would depend on the legal merits of individual cases and the office's ability to manage its existing responsibilities.
Advantages and Limitations of McKinney's Approach
McKinney's prosecutorial experience provides familiarity with criminal proceedings, courtroom preparation and the practical responsibilities of law enforcement coordination.
His emphasis on neighborhood conditions and misdemeanor enforcement may appeal to residents concerned about recurring offenses and public spaces.
His management experience is also relevant to supervising a large legal organization.
However, enforcement policies require careful prioritisation. Prosecuting additional cases can place demands on court schedules, staff capacity and public budgets.
A successful municipal enforcement strategy must also distinguish between different types of offenses and respect individual legal rights.
His approach would therefore need to balance consistent enforcement with appropriate prosecutorial discretion.
Polling and the Final Election Campaign
The election has also attracted attention because of the candidates' positions in public polling.
A poll released on October 28 by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the Los Angeles Times was cited by USC Annenberg Media as showing Roy leading McKinney by 17 percentage points.
McKinney acknowledged the polling position in his interview, describing a poll as a snapshot in time and recognising the campaign challenge facing him.
Polling should not be interpreted as an election result. Its findings depend on the survey's methodology, sample, timing and the responses collected.
The final outcome will be determined by votes counted under the official election process.
Campaign Endorsements and Political Support
Both campaigns have received support from individuals and organisations with different political and professional priorities.
Roy's endorsements include U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, as well as progressive political organisations.
McKinney has received support from Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and law enforcement organisations, including the Los Angeles Police Protective League.
Endorsements can provide candidates with public recognition and political support. However, they do not replace independent consideration of policy proposals, qualifications and the responsibilities attached to the office.
For voters, the central question remains how each candidate would manage the legal institution and respond to the needs of Los Angeles residents.
Conclusion and Key Information for Los Angeles Voters
Summary of the Main Facts
The November 2026 Los Angeles city attorney election features two candidates with different professional backgrounds and policy priorities.
Marissa Roy has presented a vision centred on civil litigation, consumer protection, tenant interests, workers' rights and legal challenges involving federal government actions.
John McKinney has focused his campaign on public safety, misdemeanor enforcement, neighborhood protection and the management of criminal prosecution responsibilities.
Both candidates are seeking to succeed incumbent Hydee Feldstein Soto, who did not advance from the June primary.
The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.
What Voters Should Consider
Before making a decision, voters may wish to examine several important questions:
- What experience does each candidate bring to municipal government?
- How would the candidate manage lawsuits involving public resources?
- What approach would the candidate take toward misdemeanor prosecution?
- How would the office address tenant and worker concerns?
- What policies would guide cooperation with local, state and federal authorities?
- How would the candidate maintain transparency and accountability?
These questions provide a practical framework for evaluating the candidates without relying solely on campaign messaging or political endorsements.
Voters can also consult official election information through the Los Angeles City Clerk and Los Angeles County election authorities.
Objective Conclusion
The Los Angeles city attorney election represents a decision about the future direction of an important municipal legal institution.
Roy and McKinney have outlined different priorities, but both would assume responsibility for an office that must serve the city within established legal requirements.
The debate involves several connected issues, including public safety, civil litigation, workers' rights, tenant protections and municipal accountability.
The election result will determine which candidate receives the responsibility of leading the office for the next term. Once elected, the successful candidate will need to translate campaign proposals into practical administrative decisions while respecting the law and the interests of Los Angeles residents.
For the public, understanding the candidates' professional records, policy positions and institutional responsibilities provides useful context when assessing the Los Angeles City Attorney election.