Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has intensified his focus on crime along the border, asserting that those who break the law will “bear full responsibility for their illegal activities.” Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, managed to defeat the existing progressive prosecutor, George Gascon, by a considerable 20-point margin, with many voters feeling that crime rates had become more lenient under Gascon’s leadership.
In a video shared on his X account, Hochman expressed, “I stand on the boundary between LA and San Bernardino counties, where criminals have often crossed into LA, seemingly without any consequences for their actions.” He declared that with his election, there would be no more tolerance for such behavior. “Times have changed! The fun is over,” he added. “LA County criminals are now going to face prosecution and be held accountable for their misconduct.”
Hochman campaigned as a candidate in the “hard middle,” rejecting both the mass incarceration associated with Gascon’s policies and what he termed a failure in public safety due to rising crime and lack of repercussions for young offenders. His determination to address these issues reflects a broader call for a balanced approach to criminal justice.
He had previously criticized Gascon’s record, describing it as one of “devastating incompetence” during his campaign, and promised to restore order and common sense to the office. Gascon faced two attempts at a recall by voters concerned about his policies, including co-authoring Proposition 47 in 2014, which reclassified many thefts under $950 from felonies to misdemeanors.
Despite political divides, Hochman pointed out that public safety remains a common concern among voters. He mentioned his conversations with individuals across the political spectrum, stating, “Even those who typically disagree with me agree on the necessity for the district attorney to prioritize safety and ensure that criminals are held accountable for their actions.”
