Los Angeles County district attorney: Nathan Hochman ousts progressive George Gascón

Nathan Hochman Defeats George Gascón in Los Angeles County District Attorney Race

CNN
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In a surprising turn of events, Nathan Hochman emerged victorious over incumbent George Gascón in the hotly contested race for Los Angeles County district attorney. Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, defeated Gascón, who is known as the godfather of progressive prosecutors, in a stunning upset.

Hochman, positioning himself as a “hard middle” candidate, pledged to steer away from both mass incarceration and what he termed as the “public safety failure” under Gascón’s leadership over the past four years.

Hochman’s campaign gained momentum as he criticized Gascón’s policies, attributing them to a surge in crime rates and a lack of consequences for juvenile offenders. The rising violent crime in the county since 2019 became a focal point during debates, mirroring a statewide trend.

Following his victory, Hochman expressed his commitment to all residents of Los Angeles County, regardless of their voting preferences, emphasizing that their safety would be his top priority as the district attorney.

Gascón graciously conceded the race to Hochman and extended his congratulations to the victor, acknowledging the shifting political landscape in America.

Hochman’s triumph signifies growing discontent in California with progressive district attorneys advocating for criminal justice reform. The defeat of Gascón, who co-authored a ballot measure in 2014 that reclassified certain crimes, reflects a shift towards more traditional law enforcement approaches.

Despite Gascón’s background as a former Los Angeles police officer, Hochman garnered support from local police unions and victims’ advocacy groups. His campaign received endorsements from prominent figures and raised substantial funds for his bid.

Hochman’s victory was hailed by the prosecutors’ union as a pivotal moment in restoring balance and accountability to the justice system.

A Southern California native, Hochman highlighted his extensive prosecutorial experience and commitment to serving the community. His independent stance and centrist values resonated with voters, propelling him to a historic win as the new district attorney of Los Angeles County.