Interim LA sheriff endorses LBPD Chief Jim McDonnell for sheriff

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Interim L.A. County Sheriff John Scott has endorsed Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell for sheriff in the upcoming Nov. 4 election.

"I have every confidence that Jim will make an outstanding Sheriff of Los Angeles County," Scott said in a statement. "He is the right person, at the right time, to take the leadership role and re-build this department."

McDonnell was a longtime assistant chief in the LAPD before taking over as chief of police in Long Beach. He was a latecomer to the race for L.A. County sheriff, making the decision after longtime Sheriff Lee Baca stepped down in January.

"I'm proud to be endorsed by Interim Sheriff John Scott and thank him for his vote of confidence," McDonnell said in a statement. "Sheriff Scott has worked to bring stability to the LASD during challenging times. I look forward to ushering in a new era at LASD, continuing to move the Department beyond past problems and restoring the trust of our community."

McDonnell emerged from the June primary as the overwhelming favorite in the sheriff's race, with 49 percent of the votes. He faces former undersheriff Paul Tanaka, who came in second with 15 percent of the votes.