John McKinney, a Los Angeles County prosecutor, is running for Los Angeles city attorney in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Marissa Roy. The race will appear on ballots citywide, including for Bel Air and Holmby Hills voters.

McKinney said in a BallotReady questionnaire response that his career has been "built on enforcing the law fairly and without fear or favor" and that he would bring that commitment to the office.

Candidate information

  • Name: John McKinney
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Hometown: Born and raised in Passaic, New Jersey
  • Education: Associate degree, Passaic County Community College; bachelor's degree, Rutgers University (1994); juris doctor, University of California, Los Angeles (1997)

Experience and public service

McKinney has spent his legal career at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. He has served as a deputy district attorney, director of specialized prosecutions and, according to BallotReady, as a Los Angeles prosecutor since 2021.

McKinney said on his campaign website that he has conducted more than 100 jury trials, including 40 murder cases, with a 97% conviction rate.

On the issues

Public safety and criminal justice: McKinney said he would focus on enforcing laws that keep communities safe. He said he would emphasize prevention, improve legal oversight within city departments, strengthen training for city employees and identify patterns that lead to liability.

Housing: McKinney said he would ensure housing laws are enforced fairly, protecting tenants from abuse while recognizing the role property owners play in providing and maintaining housing.

Homelessness: McKinney said sidewalks must be kept passable, parks and schools protected and dangerous encampments addressed. He also said the city must work with service providers and diversion programs to help people access housing, treatment and support.

Fiscal responsibility: McKinney said every dollar spent unnecessarily on legal costs is a dollar that cannot go to parks, infrastructure, libraries or public safety. He said he would review outside counsel spending, modernize case management systems and deploy city attorneys strategically.

Workers' rights: McKinney said he would prioritize enforcement against wage theft and other illegal labor practices. He said employers who follow the law should not be undercut by those who exploit workers.

Endorsements

The following endorsements are listed on McKinney's campaign endorsements page:

  • Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
  • Jackie Lacey
  • Los Angeles Police Protective League
  • Central City Association of Los Angeles
  • Los Angeles County Taxpayers Association
  • Editorial Board, Daily News

Policy positions and biographical details are drawn from McKinney's candidate questionnaire responses on BallotReady and his campaign website unless otherwise noted.