Los Angeles – Nathan Hochman and the LAPD police union are endorsing John McKinney, escalating attacks on embattled City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto ahead of the election.
A high-profile push to unseat Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto is gaining momentum, with major political and law-enforcement allies lining up behind one of her challengers.
On Tuesday. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and the Los Angeles Police Protective League endorsed John McKinney in the upcoming election for city attorney.. Hochman framed the decision around courtroom experience. saying the city’s top legal office needs a seasoned trial prosecutor to lead effectively.
The endorsement matters because it signals how quickly the race is turning into a referendum not just on specific policies, but on competence and credibility at the city’s legal helm.
The backing from Hochman and the police union comes amid weeks of controversy surrounding Feldstein Soto’s office. including accusations that her team did not adequately notify other officials after a hack exposed confidential city files.. Those allegations have fueled criticism from opponents who argue the fallout created public and political consequences. particularly given the sensitivity of materials linked to civil litigation.
McKinney, who is a long-time prosecutor, also used the moment to criticize Feldstein Soto’s approach more broadly.. He pointed to issues ranging from how misdemeanor cases are handled to public safety strategies. while insisting the city attorney’s office should be more proactive about identifying legal risks before lawsuits become costly.
For voters, the conflict is increasingly about whether the city attorney’s office should prioritize prevention and litigation readiness or whether it has instead been reactive—an argument that tends to resonate when residents feel services and governance have been strained.
Feldstein Soto’s campaign has denied allegations of mismanagement and personal misuse of prosecutorial power raised by critics.. Her office has also said relevant authorities. including senior LAPD officials and the city’s IT department. were alerted after the leak was discovered. and that federal investigators are involved.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League’s involvement is also a notable shift.. The union had previously endorsed Feldstein Soto but rescinded that support. with leaders citing dissatisfaction that extends beyond the data breach. including concerns about the city’s legal exposure and how settlements and verdicts have been handled.
At the end of this race, these endorsements may be less about one moment and more about building a coalition.. In local politics. when law enforcement and prosecutors align publicly. it can quickly change fundraising dynamics. campaign narratives. and how strongly voters view a candidate’s leadership under pressure.
Still, the race remains crowded with other contenders, including Marissa Roy and Aida Ashouri.. Feldstein Soto continues to draw backing from prominent Democrats and political figures. while McKinney’s campaign is working to broaden support amid reports that it has struggled to raise as much as other candidates.. If McKinney can translate the Hochman and police union endorsements into traction. it could reshape the contest as election day draws nearer.