Hochman ousts District Attorney Gascón in landslide

Nathan Hochman has defeated incumbent George Gascón to become the new Los Angeles County District Attorney, marking a decisive shift in voter sentiment. By early Wednesday, Hochman held a substantial lead of over 400,000 votes with more than half of the ballots tallied, as reported by the Associated Press.

Hochman, who secured 61% of the vote with 1,324,097 ballots compared to Gascón’s 39% and 831,328 votes, has presented himself as a centrist. Promising to balance crime deterrence without resorting to extreme policies, Hochman was clear in his rejection of what he called the “pro-criminal” approach he believes characterized Gascón’s administration.

“The voters of Los Angeles County have spoken, saying enough is enough. They look forward to a safer future,” Hochman stated. “As D.A., my duty will be to protect everyone, regardless of how they voted, because their safety is my responsibility.”

Throughout his campaign, Hochman prioritized a more aggressive stance on crime, particularly in response to rising retail theft across the state. His approach resonated with groups such as the Association of Deputy District Attorneys, police unions, and former LA County District Attorney Jackie Lacey. He aligned his policies with the spirit of Proposition 36, a voter-backed initiative aimed at toughening penalties for repeat offenders in theft and drug cases, which he argued reflects California voters’ growing concern over public safety.

Despite concerns from progressives that Hochman’s win could stall the criminal justice reforms introduced under Gascón, he sought to ease fears by committing to police accountability and the exoneration of the wrongfully convicted.

“I’ll be the first D.A. with both prosecutorial and defense experience,” he told NBC Los Angeles. “I stand in court every day, ensuring the government meets the highest standards of proof before a unanimous jury.”

Hochman rose to prominence in the runoff after emerging as a leading candidate in a crowded primary, ultimately channeling public frustration over crime and positioning himself as a responsive alternative to the progressive incumbent.