Los Angeles voters oust progressive DA Gascón, electing tough-on-crime Hochman in landslide victory.
At a Glance
- Nathan Hochman defeats incumbent George Gascón in LA County district attorney race
- Hochman secures 61.5% of the vote, signaling shift towards stricter law enforcement
- Violent crime in LA County increased 8% from 2019 to 2023 under Gascón’s tenure
- Hochman vows to prioritize public safety and reinstate death penalty in certain cases
- New measure approved to make shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders
Voters Reject Gascón’s ‘Social Experiment’
In a resounding rejection of progressive criminal justice reforms, Los Angeles County voters have ousted District Attorney George Gascón, electing former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman to take his place. The election results mark a significant shift in the county’s approach to law enforcement and public safety, with Hochman securing a decisive 61.5% of the vote.
Hochman’s victory comes amid growing concerns over rising crime rates and public safety in Los Angeles. During Gascón’s tenure, violent crime in the county surged by 8% from 2019 to 2023, fueling widespread dissatisfaction with his progressive policies. Gascón’s approach, which included eliminating cash bail and reducing sentencing for various offenses, drew sharp criticism from law enforcement, victims’ advocacy groups, and even prosecutors within his own office.
Hochman Promises Tougher Stance on Crime
Hochman, who positioned himself as a “hard middle” candidate, campaigned on a platform of reversing Gascón’s reforms and taking a more aggressive approach to prosecution. His victory signals a clear mandate from voters for stricter law enforcement policies and a renewed focus on public safety.
Among Hochman’s key promises is a pledge to reinstate the death penalty in certain cases, a stark departure from Gascón’s blanket refusal to seek capital punishment. This shift underscores the dramatic change in direction voters have chosen for the district attorney’s office.
Backlash Against Progressive Reforms
Gascón’s tenure was marked by controversy from the start. His progressive policies, aimed at reducing incarceration rates and addressing racial disparities in the justice system, faced intense opposition. More than 20 prosecutors in his own office filed lawsuits against him, highlighting the deep divisions his reforms created within the legal community.
“Mr. Gascón has been one of the greatest gifts for gangs” – Nathan Hochman
The election of Hochman is part of a broader pushback against reform-minded district attorneys in California. This trend was previously seen in the recall of San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin in 2022, indicating a growing public appetite for tougher law enforcement strategies.
New Measures to Combat Crime
Alongside Hochman’s election, voters approved a measure to make shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders and increase drug penalties. This partially reverses Proposition 47, a 2014 ballot measure co-authored by Gascón himself, which had reclassified certain crimes as misdemeanors.
Stick it to Soros: Los Angeles, stop street chaos and vote out woke DA George Gascónhttps://t.co/6TudqVg1la
— Nathan Hochman (@NathanHochmanDA) November 5, 2024
Hochman’s victory has been hailed by the prosecutors’ union as a “pivotal moment in the fight to return balance and accountability to the justice system.” With strong backing from local police unions and victims’ advocacy groups, Hochman is poised to implement significant changes in how Los Angeles County approaches crime and punishment.
Looking Ahead
As Hochman prepares to take office, Los Angeles residents are bracing for a new era in criminal justice. His promise to prioritize public safety for all residents will be put to the test as he faces the complex challenges of managing one of the nation’s largest prosecutorial offices.
“As D.A., I look forward to representing all of the people, whether they voted for me or not, since their safety will be my responsibility.” – Nathan Hochman
The landslide victory for Hochman sends a clear message that Los Angeles voters are demanding a tougher stance on crime. As the city turns the page on Gascón’s progressive experiment, all eyes will be on Hochman to see if his “hard middle” approach can deliver the safer streets and justice that voters are desperately seeking.
