The race for Los Angeles City Attorney is approaching a historic turning point, as incumbent Hydee Feldstein Soto appears poised to become the first city official in recent memory to fail to advance out of a primary election. With ballots still being tallied, Deputy Attorney General Marissa Roy holds the lead, with county prosecutor John McKinney positioned to secure the second spot in a November runoff.
Feldstein Soto, who took office in 2023, effectively conceded the race on Wednesday, acknowledging that “the voters had spoken” and referencing “her successor’s administration.” Her potential ouster is nearly unprecedented; according to the City Clerk’s office, the only similar instance of a city attorney losing in a primary occurred on May 2, 1933, when Erwin P. Werner was defeated during the height of the Great Depression.
A Race Defined by Contrasting Narratives
Analysts suggest that Feldstein Soto’s position in the center left her vulnerable as voters gravitated toward the more distinct ideological platforms of her challengers. Roy, supported by a coalition of unions and a democratic socialist bloc, campaigned as the “people’s lawyer,” focusing on tenant protections and workers’ rights. Meanwhile, McKinney, who entered the race in earnest just five weeks ago, capitalized on voter concerns regarding homelessness and public safety to secure a runoff spot.
The campaign strategies differed significantly in their execution. Roy’s team utilized extensive social media micro-targeting to reach progressive voters, while McKinney’s campaign employed high-impact visuals, including AI-generated content, to emphasize a tough-on-crime message. Feldstein Soto struggled to articulate her record, which she described as a focus on “public safety, public integrity and public services,” but which critics targeted over rising litigation costs and internal workplace controversies.
Looking Toward November
Should the current results hold, the city will head toward a November runoff between Roy and McKinney. Political observers anticipate a continued battle of information, as both campaigns have demonstrated a capacity to mobilize voters through different digital and grassroots strategies. As the final ballots are counted, the focus for city government will likely shift toward the transition and the differing visions for how the office should handle future litigation, public safety, and housing policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the race for City Attorney?
As of Thursday morning, Deputy Attorney General Marissa Roy leads the race, followed by county prosecutor John McKinney in second place and incumbent Hydee Feldstein Soto in third.
Has the race been officially called?
The race has not yet been officially called, though Feldstein Soto has issued a statement effectively conceding.
What was the historical significance of the 1933 election?
According to the City Clerk’s office, the 1933 defeat of Erwin P. Werner is the only instance of an incumbent city attorney losing in the primary since the city adopted its current primary ballot process in 1917.
What specific issues do you believe will be most critical for voters to consider as the candidates move toward a potential November runoff?
