The Story

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman is finding herself in a bit of a PR maze lately. As we get closer to the November 3 election, the city councilmember is sending some mixed signals about what she’d actually do with LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell if she ends up in the mayor’s office.

It’s giving major confusion, especially since she previously made it pretty clear she wanted him out. In a viral (and now deleted) Instagram video featuring influencer Ed Choi, McDonnell’s face was literally crossed out with a giant red X. The video labeled the city administration as "fascist," and Raman appeared in the clip, which triggered major backlash from Mayor Karen Bass and the police union. Raman’s team has since tried to walk that back, claiming the "fascist" comments were meant for ICE and the Trump administration, not the local police chief.

The Shifting Timeline

When she chatted with ABC 7, Raman seemed to pump the brakes on a quick firing, saying replacing the chief wasn't on her 100-day agenda. She also mentioned that since McDonnell's term technically runs through 2030, she would need to weigh her options carefully.

But real talk, her stance keeps changing. When pressed by the California Post, she circled back to saying she would look for a new chief who aligns with her goals for immigrant communities and public safety, promising an "orderly transition." Meanwhile, the plot thickens because the influencer who filmed the initial video, Ed Choi, claims Raman told him directly that McDonnell would be out and that defunding the police was still on the table.

This isn't the first time her position on policing has been lowkey inconsistent. Back in 2020, she was all-in on "defund the police," but by February, she suggested keeping the force size stable, even while voting against hiring new officers. By September, she stated her views on defunding had evolved, but voters are definitely noticing the flip-flopping.

Why it matters

With the 2028 Olympics looming, the stability of city leadership is a huge deal. Raman’s inability to lock in a consistent stance on such a high-profile department head is leaving many Angelenos wondering exactly what her game plan is, and if she’s ready to lead the city or just playing to the trends.