Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, has defeated incumbent George Gascón in the Los Angeles County district attorney race, marking a significant shift in the county’s approach to criminal justice. Known for his stance against both mass incarceration and what he terms Gascón’s “public safety failure,” Hochman has positioned himself as a centrist aiming to balance accountability and safety. Throughout his campaign, Hochman targeted Gascón’s progressive policies, which he argued contributed to increased crime and leniency for juvenile offenders.
Gascón, widely seen as a leader among progressive prosecutors, conceded the race and acknowledged the broader rightward shift across the nation. He expressed pride in his accomplishments over the past four years, including efforts toward criminal justice reform, but noted the challenges ahead for Democrats. Hochman’s win reflects growing public dissatisfaction with progressive prosecutors in California, evidenced by prior attempts to recall Gascón and recent recalls of reform-minded district attorneys in San Francisco and potential efforts in Oakland.
Hochman received endorsements from a range of local law enforcement unions, victims’ advocacy groups, and over 70 county officials, raising nearly $4 million for his campaign. His support base also included former district attorney Jackie Lacey and developer Rick Caruso, as well as organizations critical of Gascón’s policies on reduced penalties for certain crimes. Voters also backed a measure to roll back aspects of a 2014 law that had reclassified some felonies as misdemeanors, reflecting a statewide trend toward stricter penalties.
Hochman’s victory, hailed by the prosecutors’ union as a step toward “balance and accountability,” has prompted questions about future policies, including potential reviews of high-profile cases like that of Erik and Lyle Menendez, for whom Gascón had recently recommended resentencing. While Hochman has not yet taken a stance on the case, he indicated he would conduct a thorough review if necessary.
As he steps into the role, Hochman will be expected to navigate the complexities of balancing reform with public safety, representing a departure from Gascón’s progressive agenda and responding to Los Angeles County’s call for change in its justice system.
