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The Los Angeles political landscape experienced a significant shake-up this week as City Council candidate Ysabel Jurado faces intense criticism and organized opposition from the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) following her controversial remarks about law enforcement during a student forum.
The Inciting Incident
The controversy erupted during a student Q&A session at Cal State LA, where Jurado was addressing questions about police funding. When asked about her stance on police abolition, Jurado responded with what would become a politically costly statement:
What’s the rap verse? F— the police, that’s how I see them. The city’s budget is broken, with the LAPD funded more than it’s ever been funded before.
Police Union Response
The LAPPL’s response was swift and unprecedented in its scale. Craig Lally, LAPPL President, launched a comprehensive ad campaign against Jurado, stating:
Residents in Council District 14 don’t need to guess about how Ysabel Jurado feels about police officers. Ms. Jurado’s stance means fewer officers patrolling neighborhoods and enforcing the law. It means more crime and more victims of crime.
Impact on the Race
The controversy has dramatically altered the dynamics of the District 14 race, where Jurado faces incumbent Kevin de León. De León, despite his own history of controversies, has seized the moment to position himself as the law-enforcement-friendly candidate, declaring:
Her comments were disrespectful. I stand where I’ve always stood, 100% behind our front-line officers who go out every day risking their lives to protect Angelenos.
Law Enforcement Leadership Weighs In
LAPD interim Chief Dominic Choi added his voice to the criticism, expressing concern about the impact on police-community relations:
This divisive language only serves to erode what should be a positive and collaborative relationship between the police and the people we serve.
Candidate’s Defense
Jurado has attempted to contextualize her remarks, stating:
I quoted a lyric from a song that’s been part of a larger conversation on systemic injustice and police accountability for decades. But it was just a lyric.
However, her explanation has failed to quell the growing backlash.
Shifting Voter Sentiment
According to LA County pollster Manny Rodriguez, the incident has significantly impacted voter preferences:
The responses have been overwhelmingly against Jurado. Many Filipino residents told our people that she is a ‘disgrace to Filipinos’. Public safety is a huge issue this election, and there have been a lot of calls for more police.
Broader Implications
The controversy highlights the delicate balance candidates must strike when addressing police reform in Los Angeles, where public safety remains a top voter concern. The incident has transformed what was already a contentious race into a referendum on police support versus reform, with potential implications for future local elections.
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