2 minPolitics
Nithya Raman declines to say whether she will replace LAPD chief McDonnell
Los Angeles mayor-elect Nithya Raman did not answer whether she plans to replace Police Chief Jim McDonnell during her first press conference since winning the election.
Los Angeles mayor-elect Nithya Raman avoided a direct answer on whether she intends to replace Police Chief Jim McDonnell, leaving one of the most closely watched questions of her transition unresolved at her first press conference since winning the election.
Raman, who was elected to lead the city, faced reporters in her first public appearance since her victory. When asked about the future of McDonnell, who leads the Los Angeles Police Department, she declined to say whether she would remove him from the post. The question on the chief's future went unanswered, and the exchange became the focal point of coverage of the session.
The moment drew attention because the leadership of the LAPD is one of the most consequential decisions a new mayor can make. Control over the city's police department, its budget and its direction is a central part of the mayoral role, and questions about whether a new administration will keep or replace the chief are typically among the first a mayor-elect is asked. By sidestepping the issue, Raman left open how her administration will approach public safety leadership once she takes office.
The New York Post report, dated November 5, 2026, framed the press conference around Raman's reluctance to engage with tougher questions. Beyond the McDonnell question, the notes available for this report do not include further details of her policy plans, and it remains unclear what her position will be on the department's leadership, budget or priorities in the months ahead.
Source: nypost.com
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