Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has issued a statement that has been described as a "word salad" when pressed on whether she would appoint former District Attorney George Gascón as the head of the Los Angeles Police Department. Raman, a candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, stated, "I don’t know him personally," when questioned during a TV appearance about the possibility of bringing back the former prosecutor, who was ousted as LA County DA in 2024.
This statement follows an earlier denial to the California Post regarding appointing Gascón, leading to confusion about her intentions if elected mayor. The controversy is compounded by a recently deleted social media video from Raman's campaign that featured LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell's face crossed out with a red "X" and labeled "fascist liars." Raman's campaign asserted the video targeted ICE and the Trump administration, not McDonnell, and attributed its editing to a left-wing influencer.
Raman's stance on replacing McDonnell has also presented conflicting timelines. In a previous interview, she indicated that replacing the police chief was not part of her "100-day agenda," prioritizing restoring trust with law enforcement and the public. However, when asked about potential implications for the 2028 Olympics if McDonnell were fired, Raman suggested waiting until 2030, as his term was scheduled to end then. Subsequently, when seeking clarification, Raman stated she "would expect to replace him prior to that" and promised a "careful, orderly transition."
Despite Raman's denials, multiple law enforcement and political sources have indicated that Gascón's name has been circulating within City Hall and among LAPD officers as a potential successor. This prospect has alarmed some officials, who warn that appointing Gascón could lead to a significant number of officers leaving the already understaffed LAPD. Dennis Zine, a former LAPD officer and City Councilman, expressed concern that such a move could prompt an "exodus of officers" and create staffing shortages, particularly with the upcoming Olympics.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League criticized the idea, stating, "Apparently, Nithya Raman’s public safety plan consists of appointing the author of Proposition 47, George Gascón, to be our Chief of Police." They further expressed dismay that Raman would consider reinstating Gascón after his electoral defeat.
Gascón, who joined the LAPD in 1978 and rose to assistant chief, previously led police departments in Mesa, Arizona, and San Francisco before serving as San Francisco's district attorney. His tenure as LA County DA from 2020 was marked by contentious debates over sentencing enhancements, juvenile prosecutions, and policies critics deemed too lenient. Supporters, however, argued his reforms aimed to reduce excessive punishment and racial disparities. Voters ultimately replaced him with Nathan Hochman in 2024.
Political strategist Michael Trujillo questioned the public's acceptance of Gascón's return, asking if voters would approve of Raman appointing him as police chief after rejecting him as district attorney. First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli also commented, suggesting that Los Angeles residents desire "law and order" and that Gascón's electoral defeat reflected a rejection of his approach.
A senior LAPD officer, speaking anonymously, claimed that Gascón is widely considered Raman's preferred candidate for the position, with widespread belief that she is in communication with him. Another prosecutor described the potential appointment as a "massive step backwards" for residents who experienced an increase in crime during Gascón's time as DA.