L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto Celebrate Politics & Tacos at Avance Democratic Club

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Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto is on track to finish a distant third in Tuesday’s primary election, marking the first time an incumbent city attorney has failed to advance to a runoff since 1933—a historic defeat that reflects shifting voter priorities and the rise of a progressive coalition in the city.

The defeat of Soto, a Democrat who has held the office since 2022, comes as voters appear to have prioritized a tougher stance on crime and labor rights over her incumbent status. Leading the race is Marissa Roy, a deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice, who has positioned herself as a champion for wage workers and tenants. John McKinney, a former prosecutor with a reputation for a “tough-on-crime” approach, is also projected to advance to the November runoff.

Soto’s campaign, which had been buoyed by support from progressive groups and labor unions, appears to have struggled against a well-funded and organized opposition. Analysts point to Roy’s superior online presence and grassroots outreach as key factors in her success, particularly among younger voters and those disillusioned with Soto’s handling of criminal justice reform.

First Incumbent Defeat in Nearly a Century

The last time an incumbent city attorney lost in the primaries was May 2, 1933, during the depths of the Great Depression, when unemployment in Los Angeles exceeded 29%. That election, which saw Erwin P. Werner’s defeat, was marked by economic despair and social unrest. While Soto’s loss shares little in common with the Depression-era context, the parallels in voter sentiment—particularly frustration with government leadership—are striking.

Soto’s campaign had faced criticism for her handling of high-profile cases, including her decision not to prosecute certain corporate crimes and her advocacy for police accountability measures. Roy, by contrast, has framed her campaign around holding businesses accountable for wage theft and eviction practices, resonating with a city where housing costs and labor disputes remain contentious issues.

A Shift in Los Angeles Politics

Roy’s victory is part of a broader leftward shift in Los Angeles politics, mirroring trends seen in California’s state elections. Her coalition of labor unions, democratic socialists, and tenant advocacy groups reflects a growing demand for more aggressive enforcement of labor laws—a departure from Soto’s more measured approach.

McKinney’s strong showing, meanwhile, underscores a countervailing trend: a segment of voters remains skeptical of progressive criminal justice reforms and prefers a prosecutor with a reputation for prosecuting violent crime. His campaign has emphasized public safety, appealing to constituents concerned about rising crime rates in certain neighborhoods.

Both Roy and McKinney have avoided direct criticism of Soto, instead focusing on their own policy proposals. However, Soto’s campaign has struggled to counter narratives that she is out of touch with working-class Angelenos.

What Comes Next

With Soto’s defeat, the November runoff will pit Roy against McKinney in a clash of visions for the city attorney’s office. Roy’s focus on labor and tenant rights could further energize progressive voters, while McKinney’s law-and-order platform may appeal to those prioritizing crime reduction.

The outcome will have significant implications for Los Angeles’ business community, particularly in sectors like real estate and retail, where labor disputes and regulatory enforcement are major concerns. A Roy victory could lead to increased scrutiny of corporate practices, while a McKinney win might signal a return to more traditional prosecutorial priorities.

For now, Soto’s loss serves as a reminder that even long-serving incumbents are not immune to voter backlash—especially in an era of rapid political realignment.