New DA Takes Charge in Los Angeles Amid Rising Crime Concerns

Person handing a paper with "You're Fired!" text.

Los Angeles County voters have ousted progressive District Attorney George Gascón in favor of Nathan Hochman, signaling a shift towards tougher crime-fighting tactics amid rising public safety concerns.

At a Glance

Nathan Hochman defeated incumbent George Gascón in the Los Angeles County district attorney race
Hochman secured 61.5% of the vote, promising to prioritize public safety and reverse Gascón’s reforms
Violent crime in Los Angeles County increased by 8% from 2019 to 2023 under Gascón’s tenure
Hochman pledged to reinstate the death penalty in certain cases and take a “hard middle” approach to prosecution
The election reflects a broader pushback against reform-minded district attorneys in California

Voters Demand Change in Los Angeles County

In a decisive victory, Nathan Hochman has been elected as the new Los Angeles County District Attorney, unseating incumbent George Gascón. The election results reflect growing public concern over rising crime rates and a desire for a tougher stance on law enforcement. Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, positioned himself as a “hard middle” candidate, promising to balance public safety with fair prosecution.

Hochman’s campaign focused on reversing many of Gascón’s controversial policies, which included eliminating cash bail and reducing sentences for certain crimes. These reforms faced intense criticism, with opponents arguing they contributed to a perceived increase in criminal activity. The statistics seem to support this concern, as violent crime in Los Angeles County saw an 8% increase from 2019 to 2023 under Gascón’s leadership.

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

A Mandate for Tougher Prosecution

Hochman’s victory was bolstered by support from local police unions, victims’ advocacy groups, and former district attorney Jackie Lacey. His campaign raised nearly $4 million, indicating strong backing for his promise to prioritize public safety. The new district attorney has pledged to reinstate the death penalty in certain cases and take a more individualized approach to prosecution, considering the details of each case rather than applying broad policies.

“The voters of Los Angeles County have spoken and have said enough is enough of D.A. Gascón’s pro-criminal extreme policies; they look forward to a safer future.”

This shift in leadership comes as Los Angeles County voters also approved a new measure to make shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders and increase drug penalties. These changes partially reverse the effects of Proposition 47, a 2014 ballot measure co-authored by Gascón that had reclassified certain crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.

Implications for California’s Criminal Justice Landscape

Hochman’s election is seen as part of a broader trend in California, following the recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin in 2022. This pushback against reform-minded prosecutors suggests a shift in public sentiment towards more traditional law enforcement strategies. The Los Angeles County prosecutors’ union hailed Hochman’s victory as a “pivotal moment in the fight to return balance and accountability to the justice system.”

“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,” said Hochman.

As Hochman prepares to take office, he faces the challenge of balancing public demands for tougher prosecution with the need for fair and equitable justice. His approach will be closely watched, not only in Los Angeles County but across the state, as it may set the tone for future criminal justice policies in California.