Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, has been elected as the new Los Angeles County District Attorney, defeating incumbent George Gascón in a decisive victory, The Associated Press reports.
The outcome marks a significant shift in the county’s approach to criminal justice, signaling a potential backlash against progressive prosecution strategies.
Hochman, who campaigned as a “hard middle” candidate, focused his campaign on criticizing Gascón’s policies, which he argued had led to increased crime and a lack of consequences for juvenile offenders. He outlined his experience as a prosecutor and pledged to restore balance to the justice system, stating that he would “represent all of the people, whether they voted for me or not, since their safety will be my responsibility.”
Gascón, known as the “godfather of progressive prosecutors,” had faced significant criticism during his tenure, including two failed recall attempts. He was elected in 2020 on a platform of criminal justice reform, advocating for policies such as reduced sentencing for certain offenses and eliminating cash bail.
Hochman’s victory coincides with a broader trend of public dissatisfaction with progressive prosecutors across the country. In 2022, San Francisco voters ousted Chesa Boudin, another prominent reform-minded prosecutor. Additionally, voters in Oakland are currently deciding whether to recall their own progressive district attorney, Pamela Price.
The election results indicate a growing public appetite for a more traditional approach to criminal justice. Hochman’s campaign received support from law enforcement unions, victims’ advocacy groups, and former officials, including ex-district attorney Jackie Lacey, whom Gascón had defeated in 2020.
