McKinney and Roy to Face Off in City Attorney Race
Los Angeles voters head to the polls in November 2026 to choose between the two candidates for City Attorney.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should candidates for city attorney have direct courtroom experience to hold the office?
John McKinney and Marissa Roy will compete for the Los Angeles City Attorney seat in the November 2026 election. The two candidates are entering the final stage of a campaign defined by divergent professional backgrounds and significant independent spending.
Why it matters
McKinney emphasizes his background as a prosecutor to address police-related litigation and homelessness, while also citing concerns over city legal costs and management of past data breaches. The outcome will shape the legal priorities of the city and its approach to departmental oversight.
Marissa Roy won the primary election by a 15 percentage point margin over John McKinney. Independent expenditure groups have funneled $5 million into supporting McKinney, with $3 million of that sum specifically allocated to campaign efforts.
The players
John McKinney
He is a 58-year-old candidate for Los Angeles City Attorney who previously ran for District Attorney in 2024.
Marissa Roy
She is a 34-year-old attorney known for her role in a legal team that secured a $17 billion settlement from Meta.
Nathan Hochman
He is the Los Angeles County District Attorney who has publicly endorsed the campaign of John McKinney.
The details
John McKinney, 58, is highlighting his undefeated record in homicide trials, while 34-year-old Marissa Roy points to her role in securing a $17 billion settlement from Meta. McKinney is bolstered by support from Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and his former campaign aides.
Timeline
Marissa Roy secured victory in the primary election during June 2026.
The Los Angeles City Attorney election will take place in November 2026.
Political Context
The race serves as a referendum on the City of Los Angeles charter governing the City Attorney's role. Candidates differ sharply on whether that office should prioritize traditional prosecutorial management or aggressive civil litigation against major corporate entities.
The election of a new City Attorney will directly influence how the city handles police-related litigation and municipal data security. Residents will see changes in how the city manages legal costs and addresses homelessness through potential treatment-focused policies.
The takeaway
Voters should evaluate whether they prefer a candidate with extensive homicide trial experience or one with a background in major civil settlements. Consider reviewing the specific platform of each candidate regarding their plans for the City Attorney's legal department management.
What happens next
The general election for the Los Angeles City Attorney office is scheduled to take place in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the candidates and ballot measures in the Los Angeles elections section.
Live Poll
Should candidates for city attorney have direct courtroom experience to hold the office?
