LAPD Union Rescinds Endorsement of LA City Attorney

Feldstein Soto's office faces backlash over major data breach involving sensitive police records

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:09am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a city government building with long shadows cast across the facade, conveying a sense of unease and uncertainty surrounding the data breach controversy.The rescinded police union endorsement casts a shadow over the Los Angeles City Attorney's reelection bid amid concerns over data security and transparency.Los Angeles Today

The union representing Los Angeles police officers has rescinded its endorsement of City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto's reelection campaign, citing her office's failure to disclose a major data breach involving sensitive LAPD files. The breach, which occurred on March 20, exposed a trove of confidential information including personnel records and internal affairs documents. Feldstein Soto's opponents are now calling for transparency and accountability over the incident.

Why it matters

The LAPPL's withdrawal of support is a significant blow to Feldstein Soto's reelection bid, underscoring the political fallout from the data breach. The incident has raised concerns about data privacy and security within the City Attorney's office, as well as questions about Feldstein Soto's handling of the situation and her relationship with the police union.

The details

According to the LAPPL, Feldstein Soto failed to inform the union about the data breach, which the City Attorney's office says occurred on March 20 in a third-party system used to transfer discovery materials. The breach exposed a trove of sensitive LAPD files, including personnel records and internal affairs documents. Some of the records have already surfaced online, prompting calls for transparency from Feldstein Soto's opponents in the race.

  • The data breach occurred on March 20, 2026.
  • Feldstein Soto interviewed with the LAPPL's Political Action Committee on March 25, 2026, seeking the union's endorsement without disclosing the breach.
  • The LAPPL rescinded its endorsement of Feldstein Soto on April 11, 2026.

The players

Hydee Feldstein Soto

The incumbent Los Angeles City Attorney who is seeking reelection. Her office confirmed the data breach involving sensitive LAPD files.

Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL)

The union representing rank-and-file Los Angeles police officers, which has rescinded its endorsement of Feldstein Soto's reelection campaign.

Aida Ashouri

A human rights attorney challenging Feldstein Soto for the Los Angeles City Attorney position.

John McKinney

A deputy district attorney running against Feldstein Soto for Los Angeles City Attorney.

Marissa Roy

A deputy attorney general also running against Feldstein Soto for Los Angeles City Attorney.

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What they’re saying

“We believe that you were repeatedly not forthcoming with us about the devastating data breach of sensitive LAPD files containing information about officers that you have known about since at least March 20, 2026. You never informed us of this breach, we learned about it by reading the newspaper and that is not how our union and our members will be treated.”

— LAPPL Board of Directors

“The lack of transparency isn't just concerning, it's unacceptable. By keeping the public in the dark, witnesses and Los Angeles Police Department families may have been put at risk.”

— John McKinney, Deputy District Attorney

“Protecting privileged and confidential data is a foundational job requirement of the City Attorney. This City Attorney has repeatedly disregarded concerns about data privacy in the Office, retaliating against whistleblowers seeking more stringent protocols.”

— Marissa Roy, Deputy Attorney General

What’s next

The LAPPL said it will begin the process once again to decide whether to endorse a new candidate for Los Angeles City Attorney.

The takeaway

The data breach and the LAPPL's withdrawal of support have dealt a significant blow to Feldstein Soto's reelection campaign, raising questions about her handling of sensitive information and her relationship with the police union. The incident has also highlighted the importance of data security and transparency in the City Attorney's office.