Roy and McKinney Will Face November Runoff
Marissa Roy and John McKinney secured spots in the Los Angeles city attorney race following the June primary.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Elections
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In your area, should the city attorney prioritize crime reduction over tenant and worker protections?
Marissa Roy and John McKinney will compete in the November 2026 runoff for Los Angeles city attorney after advancing from the June primary. Incumbent City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto did not advance in the election.
Why it matters
The runoff will decide the next top legal official for the city, marking a shift in leadership following the primary results. Voters will choose between two candidates with different professional backgrounds and organizational support.
In the June primary, Marissa Roy secured 43.1% of the vote while John McKinney earned 28.6%. Both candidates moved to the November runoff, where the final seat remains to be filled.
The players
Marissa Roy
She is a deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice who secured the lead in the June primary.
John McKinney
He is a deputy district attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office who is campaigning for the city attorney seat.
Hydee Feldstein Soto
She is the incumbent Los Angeles City Attorney who lost her bid for re-election in the primary.
Nathan Hochman
He is the District Attorney of Los Angeles County who has endorsed John McKinney.
Jackie Lacey
She is a former Los Angeles County District Attorney who has endorsed John McKinney.
The details
Marissa Roy is currently a deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice, while John McKinney serves as a deputy district attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Their campaigns have drawn support from various local political groups and legal figures.
Timeline
The primary election for city attorney took place in June 2026.
The runoff election for city attorney will occur in November 2026.
Political Context
The transition in this race reflects broader shifts in local governance as candidates align with distinct political coalitions. Opponents emphasize different approaches to legal enforcement and city policy, highlighting the ongoing debate over the direction of Los Angeles' legal department.
The outcome of this race will determine the leadership of the office responsible for advising city departments and prosecuting municipal code violations. Residents will be affected by the next city attorney's approach to legal policy and regulatory enforcement.
The takeaway
Voters should review the professional records and endorsements of both candidates to understand their potential impact on city policy. The election outcome in November will set the legal agenda for the city for the next term.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming vote, visit the Elections section.
Live Poll
In your area, should the city attorney prioritize crime reduction over tenant and worker protections?
