Nithya Raman Denied Plans to Appoint George Gascón

The Los Angeles City Councilwoman clarified that she does not intend to appoint the former District Attorney as police chief.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Nithya Raman Denied Plans to Appoint George Gascón

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Nithya Raman denied rumors that she planned to appoint George Gascón as the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. Raman also confirmed her intention to replace current LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell before his term concludes in 2030.

Why it matters

The announcement addresses concerns regarding the leadership of the city police force ahead of the upcoming municipal election and the 2028 Olympics. It clarifies the political stance of a key official amid speculation regarding potential future department appointments.

George Gascón, 72, began his career with the LAPD in 1978 and served as District Attorney until his 2024 replacement by Nathan Hochman. The Los Angeles mayoral election is set for November 3, 2026.

The players

Nithya Raman

Nithya Raman is a Los Angeles City Councilwoman who is involved in the city's upcoming mayoral election.

George Gascón

George Gascón is a former Los Angeles County District Attorney who began his career as an LAPD officer in 1978.

Jim McDonnell

Jim McDonnell is the current chief of the Los Angeles Police Department whose term is scheduled to end in 2030.

Dennis Zine

Dennis Zine is a former Los Angeles City Councilman and a former officer with the LAPD.

Nathan Hochman

Nathan Hochman is the official who replaced George Gascón as the Los Angeles County District Attorney in 2024.

The details

Raman dismissed the rumors during an appearance on NBC, explicitly stating she would not pursue Gascón for the role. Law enforcement officials had previously projected a potential mass exodus of officers if the former District Attorney were tapped to lead the department.

George Gascón joined the LAPD in 1978.
George Gascón was ousted as District Attorney in 2024.
The Los Angeles mayoral election occurs on November 3, 2026.
Los Angeles hosts the Olympics in 2028.
Jim McDonnell's term as police chief concludes in 2030.

Legal Context

The city is preparing its public safety infrastructure for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, making leadership continuity a primary political concern. This requirement influences the ongoing debate over the future direction of the department and its administrative staffing.

Residents should anticipate ongoing political discourse regarding police leadership as the 2026 mayoral election approaches. This selection process will directly influence the department's policy direction leading up to the 2028 Olympics.

The takeaway

Clarifying the leadership selection process is essential for maintaining stability within the city's police force. Voters should track candidate platforms concerning department oversight as the election date nears.