New DA Nathan Hochman To Take Over in LA

Nathan Hochman reportedly defeated incumbent George Gascón in Los Angeles County district attorney race, signaling a shift in criminal justice policies.

At a Glance

Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, has defeated incumbent George Gascón in the Los Angeles County district attorney race.
Hochman campaigned on a “hard middle” approach, criticizing Gascón’s progressive policies.
The election results indicate growing discontent with progressive district attorneys in California.
Voters also approved a measure to partially reverse Proposition 47, increasing penalties for certain crimes.
Hochman’s victory may impact ongoing cases and policies, including the potential pardoning of the Menendez brothers.

Hochman’s Victory Marks Shift in LA County

Nathan Hochman has reportedly emerged victorious in the Los Angeles County district attorney race, defeating incumbent George Gascón. The election results show Hochman leading with 61% of the vote to Gascón’s 39% as of early Wednesday, though final certification is due by December 3.

Hochman, a Southern California native with experience as an assistant U.S. attorney and private defense attorney, positioned himself as a centrist in the race. He ran on a platform opposing both mass incarceration and the “decarceration” policies implemented by Gascón, raising over $4 million for his campaign.

Gascón’s Progressive Policies Under Fire

George Gascón, elected in 2020 on a platform of criminal justice reform following the police killing of George Floyd, faced significant challenges during his tenure. His administration exonerated 14 wrongfully convicted individuals and filed multiple cases against law enforcement officers. However, Gascón’s reform policies met with opposition from his staff and resulted in lawsuits alleging workplace retaliation.

Hochman criticized Gascón’s policies for lacking consequences for juvenile offenders and allegedly contributing to rising violent crime. He also opposed Gascón’s stance on gang sentencing enhancements and juvenile prosecution policies.

Former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman has defeated incumbent George Gascón in the race for Los Angeles County District Attorney.https://t.co/eBqnw0jxBs

— KNX News 97.1 FM (@knxnews) November 6, 2024

A “Hard Middle” Approach

Hochman campaigned on what he calls a “hard middle” approach, promising to evaluate cases individually and restore balance to the justice system. This stance garnered support from local police unions, victims’ advocacy groups, and various elected officials.

“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. 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,” Hochman said.

The prosecutors’ union hailed Hochman’s victory as a “pivotal moment in the fight to return balance and accountability to the justice system.”

Implications for Future Policies

Hochman’s election may have far-reaching implications for ongoing cases and policies in Los Angeles County. One notable example is the potential pardoning of the Menendez brothers, which became a contentious issue during the campaign. Hochman criticized Gascón’s timing in addressing the case, and it’s unclear if his victory could impact the brothers’ push for release.

Additionally, voters approved a measure to partially reverse Proposition 47, a 2014 ballot measure co-authored by Gascón that reclassified certain crimes. This change will increase penalties for repeat offenders and certain drug crimes, aligning with Hochman’s tougher stance on crime.

As Los Angeles County prepares for this shift in leadership at the district attorney’s office, residents and law enforcement alike will be watching closely to see how Hochman’s “hard middle” approach translates into policy and practice in one of the nation’s largest criminal justice systems.