Los Angeles County’s newly elected District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized that one of his foremost priorities will be to mend the fractured relationship between the district attorney’s office and the community, following the recent ousting of first-term progressive District Attorney George Gascon. Voters decisively rejected Gascon on Tuesday, marking the end of what many critics labeled a failed attempt to implement progressive reforms in the nation’s largest criminal justice system.
Gascon attracted less than 40% of the votes in a heated contest against Hochman, a former federal prosecutor who campaigned vigorously against Gascon’s contentious policies, arguing that they posed significant risks to public safety.
“The office has to build the trust back with its own prosecutors,” Hochman stated in an interview with Fox News Digital. “He lost trust and credibility with law enforcement… with victims and victims’ families. From day one, I have to rebuild that trust.”
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Nathan Hochman’s victory over Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon on Tuesday signaled a shift in public sentiment regarding safety and justice. Gascon, known for surviving two recall attempts, faced mounting criticism for his progressive criminal justice policies, including measures many believed were overly lenient.
In a reflective statement regarding the election results, Gascon remarked on the prevailing “rightward shift across America,” describing it as “heartbreaking.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead for Democrats but reaffirmed the essential nature of their work in fostering reforms. “Nevertheless, I have called Mr. Hochman and wish him the best as Los Angeles County’s next District Attorney,” Gascon added, expressing pride in the progress made during his four years in office and gratitude to the communities that have supported criminal justice reform.
Gascon entered office in 2020 amidst widespread calls for reform spurred by national discussions about police misconduct. His sweeping directives, such as the abolition of cash bail and refusal to seek the death penalty, faced scrutiny and backlash as critics accused him of adopting a soft approach to crime.
Upon assuming his new role, Hochman articulated plans to eliminate what he termed “blanket, extreme pro-criminal policies,” which included leniency towards gang members involved in violent initiation crimes. “That’s what the George Gascon decarceration policies effectively meant,” Hochman pointed out, critiquing the previous administration’s approach to crime.
Gascon’s tenure was characterized by a series of challenges and controversies, including his co-authorship of Proposition 47—a significant 2014 law that reduced many thefts to misdemeanors if the stolen amount was under $950 and reclassified certain felony drug offenses. The increase in retail theft and smash-and-grab incidents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic led to heightened dissatisfaction with the law and Gascon’s leadership.
On Tuesday, voters decisively supported a measure intended to reverse some aspects of Prop 47. Known as Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, this new initiative aims to increase penalties for various offenses, reflecting a shift in public sentiment regarding crime and accountability.
Hochman’s campaign garnered support from police unions, a number of Gascon’s own prosecutors, and various local officials, highlighting a significant shift in the local political landscape surrounding law enforcement.
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Eric Siddall, a prosecutor from Los Angeles County and a former DA candidate who challenged Gascon, noted a transformative change in public attitudes towards criminal justice over the past few years. “I don’t know if there’s a progressive DA in California anymore. I think they’re all gone,” he commented, reflecting the evolution of voter expectations since 2020.
Despite their differing political views, public safety remains a unifying issue, according to Hochman. “I spoke to ultra-left liberals, independents, and conservative Republicans. And it turns out that even though they don’t agree on much, they do agree that making sure that the district attorney prioritizes their safety and implements policies that will hold criminals accountable for their actions in a smart and proportional manner really matters,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for a balance between reform and public safety.
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In climate reflective of these changing attitudes, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao was also removed from office following a recall effort that succeeded with an overwhelming 65% of voter support. In another notable development, San Francisco Mayor London Breed faced challenges, with early reports indicating that she was trailing in her re-election bid, as challenger Daniel Lurie led in the city’s initial ranked-choice voting round.
**Interview with Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Hochman. Congratulations on your recent victory! You mentioned that rebuilding trust within the community is one of your top priorities. Can you elaborate on what specific steps you plan to take to achieve this?
**Nathan Hochman:** Thank you for having me. Rebuilding trust is crucial. My first step will focus on open communication. I want to ensure that law enforcement, victims, and the community know that their voices are heard. We will establish regular town halls and forums where people can express their concerns directly to the district attorney’s office. Transparency in our actions and clarity about our policies will be fundamental.
**Interviewer:** You ran against a progressive stance that many voters found unappealing. What key policy changes do you plan to implement right away to address these concerns?
**Nathan Hochman:** My administration will work to eliminate what I refer to as “extreme pro-criminal policies.” This includes reevaluating approaches to gang involvement in violent crimes and pushing for more accountability in our criminal justice system. We need to send a clear message that certain behaviors have consequences, which will also involve revisiting aspects of Proposition 47 that have led to an increase in crime.
**Interviewer:** Former District Attorney George Gascon acknowledged a “rightward shift” in public sentiment. How do you plan to address the needs of those who still support progressive reforms in a way that balances public safety and justice?
**Nathan Hochman:** I understand that safety and reform are not mutually exclusive. It is essential to listen to diverse viewpoints and find common ground. I will work on policies that address root causes of crime, like addiction and homelessness, with community-based programs rather than a purely punitive approach. My goal is to restore safety without compromising the essential elements of justice.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned trust and communication, but what is your stance on the contentious issues that defined Gascon’s tenure, such as the abolition of cash bail and the refusal to seek the death penalty?
**Nathan Hochman:** I believe we need to evaluate these policies critically. While the abolition of cash bail has its merits, we must consider its impact on public safety and whether it holds individuals accountable. As for the death penalty, I will take a measured approach, assessing each case on its unique circumstances rather than enforcing a blanket policy.
**Interviewer:** reflecting on the election results, what message do you hope to send to the residents of Los Angeles County about the direction you want to take the district attorney’s office?
**Nathan Hochman:** The message is clear – we are committed to restoring public safety, rebuilding trust, and ensuring justice for victims and their families. My administration will be one where collaboration and accountability go hand in hand. Together, we will create a safer Los Angeles County for everyone.
