Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rae Huang has unveiled a controversial three-point plan aimed at dismantling and reforming the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), as reported by the New York Post. The progressive Democratic socialist detailed her proposals in a recent social media video, drawing significant attention to her stance on law enforcement. Her plan includes drastic measures for the department, which she described as "one of the biggest legal gangs in the world."
Central to Huang's agenda is the immediate termination of LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. McDonnell, who has served with the department for over 30 years and was appointed chief in November 2024, previously held positions as Long Beach's police chief and LA County Sheriff. Huang stated in her video, "While our streets and sidewalks go unrepaired, our mental health services get scaled back or defunded... the LAPD keeps demanding more and more money every year."
Additionally, Huang proposes redirecting all liability payouts directly from the LAPD's budget, rather than from the city’s general discretionary fund. She highlighted that the city has paid out nearly $400 million in such settlements since 2019, arguing this shift would hold the department more accountable financially. This move aims to incentivize internal reforms by tying financial consequences directly to departmental actions.
The third component of her plan involves instructing the city attorney to actively "prosecute and arrest cops who break the law." Huang emphasized her commitment to this, asserting, "The process exists, what’s missing is the will to use it. I have that will. Let’s reinvest in real safety for the people." This initiative seeks to ensure justice and rebuild public trust in law enforcement by holding individual officers accountable.
Despite her bold proposals, Huang currently faces an uphill battle in the mayoral race. Recent polling data from UCLA indicates she holds only 3% support among voters. She is competing against other prominent figures, including incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt, and Nithya Raman, making her an outside contender for the city's top office.
