A candidate from the Democratic Socialists of America, Marissa Roy, has taken a significant lead in the competition for Los Angeles’ nearly $200 million legal office, as revealed by a troubling new poll.
Roy, who is a deputy state attorney general supported by the DSA, has garnered 20% of voter support, while longtime prosecutor John McKinney has only 10%, according to a survey conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies.
Interestingly, a substantial 70% of voters remain undecided, according to the study published by the LA Times recently.
McKinney expressed confidence to The California Post, stating that his campaign is gaining momentum. With so many voters still unsure, he believes that as they learn more about him—his background and his stance on critical issues like homelessness and public safety—they will choose him in November.
He also commented on Roy’s views, suggesting that her reluctance to enforce a homeless encampment ban and her policies are out of touch with Angelenos’ realities.
The poll surveyed 2,150 likely voters from September 15 to 20. Roy and McKinney are competing to take over from City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, who was eliminated in the June primary.
The city attorney’s role involves prosecuting misdemeanors, with around 120,000 potential violations reviewed by the office yearly to decide which should be charged.
Roy, currently 34, is part of the California Department of Justice’s consumer protection division and is backed by the DSA’s Los Angeles chapter. The DSA-LA aims to reduce the influence of armed police in the city, advocating for fewer sworn officers and promoting unarmed personnel to handle certain issues such as traffic enforcement and mental health crises.
One of Roy’s more controversial moments arose during the 2022 election when she discussed a possible 100-day pause on prosecuting new misdemeanor charges, which would have included offenses like trespassing and minor drug possession. However, she later clarified that she never supported such a moratorium. On her campaign site, she argues that many misdemeanors are tied to issues like poverty and mental health.
Roy is advocating for alternatives to court for individuals accused of low-level crimes, suggesting treatment and diversion programs instead.
On the other hand, McKinney, aged 58, has over 27 years of experience prosecuting cases with the LA County District Attorney’s Office, highlighting his involvement in high-profile cases such as the murder of rapper Nipsey Hussle. He promises to utilize the office’s prosecutorial power to address issues like street disorder and homelessness more aggressively.
Supporters of McKinney include District Attorney Nathan Hochman and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents LAPD officers.
Roy’s lead follows another surge from a DSA-backed candidate higher up the ballot. The same Berkeley poll showed City Councilwoman Nithya Raman in front of Mayor Karen Bass, 39% to 28%, with 33% still undecided. Bass’s campaign dismissed the polling results, calling them an anomaly and expecting a tight race.
The decision will come down to voters on November 3.
