Nithya Raman Offers Shifting Stance on LAPD Chief

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has presented a shifting timeline and message concerning the potential ouster of LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, a stark contrast to her previous commitment to remove him if elected.

In a recent interview with ABC 7, Raman stated that replacing the police chief was not a priority for her first 100 days in office, emphasizing instead the need to restore trust between law enforcement and the public. "Replacing the chief of police is not on my 100-day agenda. Restoring trust with our law enforcement and the public is on my 100-day agenda," Raman said, while also acknowledging that McDonnell had not "met the moment."

When questioned about incumbent Mayor Karen Bass's concerns that firing McDonnell 18 months before the 2028 Olympics could be detrimental, Raman indicated a more cautious approach. "That’s all stuff that I think about now and things that certainly I will be weighing and considering as we move forward," she told ABC 7. She added, "I believe his term goes through 2030, if I’m not mistaken, and at that point I think I would be looking to appoint a new chief."

However, when contacted by the California Post for clarification following earlier statements about ousting McDonnell, Raman offered a different perspective. "Chief McDonnell is Mayor Bass’s police chief. I have made it clear that I would seek a chief who can keep Angelenos safe and restore trust with our immigrant communities," she stated, promising a "careful, orderly transition" in cooperation with the Police Commission and LAPD command staff. She reiterated, "Chief McDonnell’s term ends in 2030 and I would expect to replace him prior to that."

These statements come after a week of controversy surrounding a campaign video Raman appeared in. The now-deleted video, which featured McDonnell’s face crossed out with a red X, was created with influencer Ed Choi and accused Los Angeles of becoming "extremely fascist." Choi claimed Raman expressed a desire to defund the police and remove McDonnell. Raman's campaign attributed the video's content to Choi's editing, asserting her remarks were directed at ICE and the Trump administration, not law enforcement.

Mayor Bass criticized Raman for the video, calling it "incredibly irresponsible" and suggesting she was "not ready for prime time." The Los Angeles Police Protective League also expressed concern that the imagery could endanger the chief.

Raman's stance on policing has evolved. In 2020, she supported the "defund the police" movement. More recently, in February, she stated the LAPD should retain its approximately 8,700 officers, despite voting against hiring 170 additional officers weeks earlier. By September, Raman acknowledged that her views on defunding had changed.

Raman voted to confirm Chief McDonnell as police chief in November 2024, a decision supported by an 11-2 vote from the City Council.