Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto faces increasing pressure ahead of the upcoming election, as key endorsements and criticisms emerge from prominent local figures and organizations. This week, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents the majority of LAPD officers, withdrew their support from Feldstein Soto and endorsed challenger John McKinney, a veteran prosecutor with nearly three decades of experience.

Hochman emphasized McKinney’s extensive courtroom background as vital for the city attorney’s office, stating that Los Angeles needs “someone who actually has courtroom experience” and knows how to successfully litigate complex cases. McKinney previously held the role of head of special prosecutions in the district attorney’s office and has prosecuted several high-profile cases, including the conviction of the man responsible for the murder of rapper Nipsey Hussle.

The police union cited broader concerns beyond a recent data breach that exposed 337,000 confidential files, videos, and photographs involving the city. Sgt. Chris Wecker, vice president of the union, criticized Feldstein Soto for an alleged rise in costly civil lawsuits and settlements under her leadership, accusing her of mishandling legal risks and failing to proactively protect taxpayers from legal liabilities. The leaked documents had previously shed light on LAPD disciplinary actions, including those related to a 2021 incident involving fireworks in South L.A.

McKinney has criticized Feldstein Soto’s approach to low-level crimes and expressed support for “broken windows” policing—an enforcement strategy focusing on minor offenses to prevent more serious crime. He also questioned her response to the data breach, contrasting it with his own anticipated immediate action that would involve notification of the police department, the FBI, and affected individuals.

Feldstein Soto’s campaign spokesperson defended her record, highlighting her prosecution of misdemeanors throughout Los Angeles and her municipal experience. The campaign also emphasized that senior LAPD officials and city IT personnel were informed promptly after the breach, and that the FBI is investigating. Feldstein Soto has denied accusations of mismanagement and claims of using prosecutorial power for personal vendettas.

Despite losing the police union’s endorsement, Feldstein Soto retains backing from prominent figures including U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and Mayor Karen Bass. Meanwhile, Marissa Roy, another challenger and deputy attorney general at the California Department of Justice, is running on a platform focused on public interest law. Roy, supported by the county’s Democratic Party, Democratic Socialists of America, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, critiques the police union’s endorsement of McKinney as favoring conservatism over civil rights accountability.

McKinney’s campaign, which has raised significantly less funding than his rivals, is seeking to boost its resources by drawing on past organizers and fundraisers associated with Hochman’s successful 2024 district attorney campaign. This alliance has drawn attention due to the fundraising group's involvement in events for former President Donald Trump, whose administration frequently clashed with the city—issues that the city attorney would likely address if McKinney is elected.

The endorsements from Hochman and the police union could provide a critical boost to McKinney’s campaign as voting approaches, sharpening the contest for Los Angeles city attorney amid competing visions of law enforcement and legal strategy.