Nathan Hockman defeated incumbent progressive prosecutor George Gascón in the race for Los Angeles County district attorney, as crime was seen as the top issue of the election cycle.
Mr. Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, campaigned as a “strong centrist” candidate, rejecting both mass incarceration and the “security failures” of Gascón's liberal policies, which led to increased crime and fewer juvenile offenders. That led to a lack of punishment, Hochman said.
“Los Angeles County voters have had enough of the extreme pro-crime policies of the Gascón DA’s Office and they look forward to a safer future,” Hochman said in a statement early Wednesday morning. “As prosecutor, it is my responsibility to keep all of our citizens safe, whether they voted for me or not, so I look forward to representing all of our citizens.”
Representatives for Mr. Gascon's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
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Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, ousted George Gascón, the liberal incumbent district attorney in Los Angeles County. (AP Photo/Damien Dovarganes, File)
Preliminary FBI data for 2022 predicted that violent crime would decline by just 2.1% from 2021 to 2022. However, the FBI updated its data in October and found that violent crime actually increased by 4.5%.
During the discussion, Hockman focused on the increase in violent crime in the county, a trend seen at the statewide and national level. Despite having previously worked as a police officer, Gascón also had the support of the local police union.
Gascón is known as the godfather of progressive prosecutors. (Myung Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, File)
The prosecutors union called Hochman's victory “a pivotal moment in the fight to restore balance and accountability to the justice system.”
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Gascón has faced two recall attempts so far as frustration grows over its progressive policies. He also faces a lawsuit from the union representing prosecutors in his office for allegedly concealing information about a close friend in violation of the California Public Records Act (CPRA).
Hochman, a Southern California native, highlighted his past prosecutorial experience as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Central District of California. He also works as a private attorney.
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He previously ran unsuccessfully for California attorney general as a Republican, but is running as an independent in this election and describes himself as a lifelong centrist.
Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
