Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, whose future with the department became a central issue in the city’s mayoral race, said in his first interview since the Nov. 3 election that he is optimistic about working with the newly elected mayor.
McDonnell said Mayor-elect Nithya Raman, who defeated incumbent Karen Bass and campaigned on moving to replace the four-decade law enforcement veteran, initiated a phone call with him after Election Day. McDonnell described the conversation as positive.
“We had a conversation and it was upbeat,” McDonnell told NBCLA. “It was positive and we talked about mutual goals, and so I am hopeful.”
When asked whether Raman, the Council District 4 representative, has asked him to resign, McDonnell said, “No.”
“The people have spoken and as part of the democratic process,” McDonnell said. “People say a lot of things during campaigns. The objective is different than it is once you get into the seat.”
Raman has said she plans to fire LAPD Chief Chief Jim McDonnell as the LAPD union warns she would defund the police. Alex Rozier and Conan Nolan report for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026.
Removing a police chief isn’t a decision left solely to Los Angeles’ mayor.
Under the city charter, the five-member police commission — or, the city council through a separate process — would have a say in the process. Commissioners are appointed to five-year terms by the mayor and confirmed by the council.
“You know, I won’t speculate as to their feelings, but my thoughts are that we’ve had a very good relationship,” McDonnel said.
NBCLA requested interviews with commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting, but they declined.
McDonnell pointed to a decrease in crime and what he described as improved department morale to defend his record with the department.
None of the 14 councilmembers endorsed Raman for mayor. Keenan Willard reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.
Los Angeles’ crime rate continues to fall to generationally low levels. As of October, the murder rate is down by 15 percent, compared to last year, on top of declines over the last three years. Burglaries are down by 26 percent from already low numbers last year. Serious assaults are down by more than 3 percent.
The overall crime rate is down by more than 9 percent, compared with the same time last year.
McDonnell was sworn in as chief by Bass in November 2024. He has more 40 years of service in law enforcement, joining the LAPD in 1981. He served as chief of police in Long Beach and Los Angeles County Sheriff before returning to the LAPD.
Raman, endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America-LA, has long been open about disagreements with the chief, but the relationship between the two city leaders was thrust into the spotlight during the campaign when a social media video featuring Raman and a content creator showed her repeating his tagline, “Only you can stop fascist liars” as images of McDonnell and Bass appeared on the screen.
Raman’s campaign shared, then removed the video and said the images were added by the content creator. Her campaign said Raman never used the phrase to describe Bass, McDonnell or LAPD officers, but said she was asked to repeat the tagline in reference to ICE and the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The video also drew criticism from the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing rank-and-file LAPD officers. NBCLA asked McDonnell whether officers are planning to leave the department with a change in the mayor’s office.
“No, you know, I think everybody has got a kind of wait-and-see attitude, but I’m optimistic,” McDonnell said.
With LA28 on the horizon, Nithya Raman says safety is a top priority and explains her remarks about firing the chief of police if she were to become mayor. Karen Bass says that’s problematic.
During the NBCLA/Telemundo 52 candidates’ debate in October, Raman said she would seek a new police chief and acknowledged it is not a unilateral decision by the mayor.
“I want to replace the police chief,” Raman said at the debate. “I’ve been very open about that. I’ve been very clear about that. I don’t believe this chief has met the moment. I believe he has lost the trust of Angelenos.”
Asked whether she would move to replace McDonnell before the 2028 Olympics, a global event that comes with significant law enforcement duties, Raman said the decision depends on other decision-making bodies and pledged to navigate the process with deliberation.
Raman led Bass, who had the endorsements of all of Raman’s city council colleagues, by double digits in the latest election results update. She became the first candidate to unseat an incumbent mayor since Antonio Villaraigosa defeated Jim Hahn in the 20025 election.
Bass had never lost an election for public office during her political career in Los Angeles Sacramento and Washington, D.C.