LOS ANGELES — John McKinney, a tough-on-crime prosecutor and longtime Los Angeles resident with more than 27 years of prosecutorial experience, today announced his candidacy for Los Angeles City Attorney ahead of the June 2nd California Primary Election. With a focus on public safety and law enforcement, McKinney is committed to bringing much-needed change to the City Attorney’s office.

“I am running for LA City Attorney to make public safety and neighborhood protection the top priority in this election,” says McKinney. “I will challenge the status quo to ensure the law is applied fairly, consistently, and with integrity. Our citizens deserve nothing less.”

Today’s announcement – broadcast through a 60‑second introductory video, includes McKinney’s key priorities: improving public safety, neighborhood protection, support for law enforcement and restoring confidence in the criminal justice system. Former District Attorneys Steve Cooley and Jackie Lacey have endorsed McKinney for LA City Attorney.

McKinney has prosecuted a wide range of violent crimes during a nearly three-decade career. His assignments have included the Special Victims Unit, Hardcore Gang Prosecutions and Major Crimes, where he has served for the past 13 years. Included is the prosecution of Eric Holder Jr. in the 2019 killing of rapper and Grammy-award winning artist Nipsey Hussle. Holder was convicted of first‑degree murder in 2022.

Key McKinney Campaign Pillars:

• Public and Neighborhood Protection: Safe neighborhoods are the foundation of a thriving city. For more than two decades as a prosecutor, McKinney has worked to protect victims and hold offenders accountable. As City Attorney, he will bring that same commitment to enforcing the laws that keep our communities safe.
• Fiscal Responsibility: The City Attorney’s Office must be a responsible steward of public funds. That means running an efficient office that delivers excellent legal representation while minimizing unnecessary costs.
• Fighting Corruption and protecting the public trust: McKinney’s career as a prosecutor has been built on enforcing the law fairly and without fear or favor. As City Attorney, he will bring that same commitment to protecting the integrity of city government.

Early endorsements: Cooley was the longest-serving DA in Los Angeles history, from 2000-2012 while Lacey was Los Angeles’ first woman and African American DA, having served from 2013-2020.  McKinney previously worked under both prosecutors.

About John McKinney
John McKinney has worked in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office since 1997, has prosecuted a wide range of crimes across several divisions including the Victim Impact Panel Unit, Hardcore Gang Division and Major Crimes Division, prosecuting sex crimes, domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse. John grew up in a working-class neighborhood shaped by hardship, to standing in court and announcing “For the People,” – rooted in the lessons his sister taught: work hard, persevere, serve others and never forget where you came from. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and is a 1994 graduate of UCLA School of Law.

For more information about the campaign, or to volunteer, visit: www.McKinney4la.com

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