# Nithya Raman Los Angeles mayoral campaign controversies > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nithya-raman-los-angeles-mayoral-campaign-controversies > Updated: 2026-10-20T22:41:50.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 5. The Los Angeles mayoral campaign of Nithya Raman has faced significant scrutiny from law enforcement advocates and political opponents regarding her policy stances and campaign materials. In September 2026, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) released an attack advertisement titled ‘Nithya Raman Won’t Keep Our Kids Safe’. The ad criticized Raman’s opposition to expanding anti-camping restrictions near schools and parks, highlighting her argument that such bans require parallel investments in housing and shelter to be effective. By October 2026, controversy intensified following the release of a campaign video featuring a red X over the face of LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell alongside the phrase “only you can stop fascist liars”. While Raman’s campaign deleted the video and claimed the influencer was responsible for the editing, the LAPPL condemned the imagery as “dangerous” and a “dog whistle” that could incite violence. Raman has maintained a platform of police reform, including pledges to fire the Chief and increase unarmed crisis response teams. However, in a subsequent interview with ABC 7, Raman clarified her stance on police leadership. She stated that removing Chief McDonnell is not part of her 100-day agenda, noting his term extends until 2030. She indicated she would likely seek a new appointment toward the end of his tenure, emphasizing that her immediate priority is restoring trust between law enforcement and the public to avoid disruption ahead of the 2028 Olympics. In mid-October 2026, Raman addressed rumors circulating within City Hall and law enforcement circles regarding her potential leadership appointments. During a televised appearance on NBC, she denied speculation that she intended to appoint former District Attorney George Gascón as LAPD chief, stating, “No, no. I don’t know where the rumors are coming from. I don’t know him personally.” ## Claims - Nithya Raman vowed to fire LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell if elected mayor. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Los Angeles Police Protective League described a campaign video featuring a red X over the police chief's face as dangerous political rhetoric. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Raman's campaign attributed the controversial phrasing in a social media video to the influencer's editing and prompting. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Bill Bratton warns Nithya Raman's plan to oust LAPD Chief could trigger officer exodus Former LAPD Chief Bill Bratton warns that mayoral candidate Nithya Raman’s plan to replace Chief Jim McDonnell could cause a mass police exodus and jeopardize 2028 Olympic security planning. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bill-bratton-warns-nithya-ramans-plan-to-oust-lapd-chief-could-trigger-officer-exodus ### 2026-10-11: Nithya Raman denies rumors of appointing George Gascón as LAPD chief LA mayoral candidate Nithya Raman denied rumors that she would appoint former DA George Gascón as LAPD chief if elected, amid ongoing controversy regarding her plans for police leadership. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nithya-raman-denies-rumors-of-appointing-george-gascn-as-lapd-chief ### 2026-10-10: Nithya Raman clarifies stance on LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman clarified that replacing LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell is not part of her immediate 100-day agenda, prioritizing public trust instead. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nithya-raman-clarifies-stance-on-lapd-chief-jim-mcdonnell ### 2026-10-06: Nithya Raman faces backlash over video targeting LAPD Chief LA mayoral candidate Nithya Raman faces backlash after a campaign video used a red X over LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell's face. Raman has pledged to fire the Chief if elected. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nithya-raman-faces-backlash-over-video-targeting-lapd-chief ### 2026-09-18: Los Angeles police union releases attack ad against Nithya Raman The Los Angeles Police Protective League released an attack ad against mayoral candidate Nithya Raman, criticizing her voting record on banning homeless encampments near schools and parks. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-police-union-releases-attack-ad-against-nithya-raman --- Cite as: Nithya Raman Los Angeles mayoral campaign controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nithya-raman-los-angeles-mayoral-campaign-controversies