In a significant shift for Los Angeles County, Nathan Hochman emerged victorious over incumbent George Gascón in the district attorney race, signaling voter frustration with crime and public safety. Hochman, a seasoned former federal prosecutor, positioned himself as a balanced alternative to Gascón’s progressive policies, which he argued had undermined public safety and diminished accountability, particularly for juvenile offenses.
Hochman’s campaign struck a chord by advocating a “hard middle” approach—one that rejects both extremes of mass incarceration and what he described as lenient, ineffective measures that characterized Gascón’s tenure (it’s called common sense). He doubled down this message in a statement following his win: “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.” Hochman vowed to prioritize safety for all residents, including those who may not have supported him, emphasizing that their security would be at the heart of his agenda.
The election was underpinned by growing concerns over crime rates. Although preliminary 2022 FBI data suggested a slight 2.1% drop in violent crime compared to 2021, revised statistics later painted a different picture, showing a 4.5% increase in violent incidents. Hochman leveraged these figures, along with the rising crime trends across the county and state, during debates to challenge Gascón’s policies. Despite Gascón’s own background in law enforcement, Hochman garnered substantial support from local police unions, which viewed the incumbent’s approach as soft and detrimental to their mission.
The prosecutors’ union hailed Hochman’s win as a “pivotal moment,” suggesting it would restore balance and enforce greater accountability within the justice system. This shift follows Gascón’s tumultuous term, marked not only by rising crime rates but also by two failed recall efforts driven by public and political dissatisfaction. Additionally, Gascón faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit from the prosecutors’ union accusing him of failing to release information on an ally, a move that allegedly breached California’s Public Records Act.
Hochman, deeply rooted in Southern California, brings a broad spectrum of experience to the role. His time as assistant U.S. attorney in California’s Central District solidified his reputation as a dedicated legal professional. Beyond his public service, he worked as a private defense attorney, showcasing versatility in legal practice. His previous bid for California attorney general as a Republican was unsuccessful, but this race saw him run as an independent, reinforcing his claim of being a lifelong centrist committed to pragmatic governance.