Voters Oust Soros-Backed Progressive DA

Los Angeles voters oust George Soros-backed progressive District Attorney George Gascón, signaling a shift in criminal justice priorities.

At a Glance

Nathan Hochman defeats George Gascón in LA County District Attorney race.
Gascón’s progressive reforms faced criticism amid rising crime rates.
Hochman plans to rebuild trust with law enforcement and victims.
Voters approve measure to increase penalties for repeat offenders.
Election reflects tension between reform and public safety concerns.

Gascón’s Fall from Grace

In a stunning rebuke to progressive criminal justice reform, Los Angeles County voters have ousted District Attorney George Gascón. The election results signal a significant shift in public opinion, with residents grappling between implementing reforms and ensuring community safety. Gascón, known for his ambitious policies aimed at reducing incarceration and addressing systemic biases, received less than 40% of the vote against his challenger, Nathan Hochman.

Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, secured a decisive victory with 61.5% of the vote. His campaign focused on criticizing Gascón’s policies as a public safety risk and promising to rebuild trust with law enforcement and victims. The election outcome reflects growing concerns among voters about crime rates and security in Los Angeles County.

George Gascón Loses Los Angeles District Attorney Race https://t.co/f6wJ0iEAzr

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 6, 2024

Crime Rates and Public Perception

Violent crime in Los Angeles County increased by 8% from 2019 to 2023, fueling criticism of Gascón’s policies. His reforms, including eliminating cash bail and not seeking the death penalty, were seen by many as lenient on criminals. This perception was amplified by media outlets, particularly conservative ones, which portrayed his policies as soft on crime.

“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.” – Nathan Hochman

The election results also saw voters approving a measure to partially reverse Proposition 47, increasing penalties for repeat offenders and certain drug crimes. This shift in attitude towards criminal justice reform is evident across California, with voters seemingly believing that reform efforts have gone too far.

Hochman’s Vision for Los Angeles

Hochman has positioned himself as a “hard middle” candidate, opposing both extreme incarceration and Gascón’s perceived lenient policies. He plans to allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty and pursue wider sentencing enhancements, a stark contrast to Gascón’s approach. Hochman has also pledged to eliminate what he calls “extreme pro-criminal policies” and address gang-related violent crimes.

“As D.A., I look forward to representing all of the people, whether they voted for me or not, since their safety will be my responsibility.” – Nathan Hochman

Hochman’s victory was supported by local police unions, victims’ advocacy groups, and former district attorney Jackie Lacey. This broad coalition suggests a desire for a more balanced approach to criminal justice, one that prioritizes public safety while still considering reform measures.

The Legacy of Reform and Future Challenges

Gascón’s election in 2020 followed heightened awareness of systemic law enforcement issues after the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. His reforms included ending the death penalty, not prosecuting children as adults, stopping gang enhancements, and eliminating three-strikes charges. While these policies aimed to address alleged inequities in the justice system, they also created controversy and resistance.

“We’ve created this machine of mass incarceration for the last 40 years, that we have normalized what is really abnormal anywhere else in the world. What I’m doing is radical for the US … but sending people to prison for 60 years, 100 years, 150 years, or to death row, or prosecuting a 15-year-old as an adult – these are all concepts that in most of the rest of the world would be inconceivable.” – George Gascón

As Los Angeles County moves forward under new leadership, the challenge will be to find a balance between necessary reforms and maintaining public safety. Hochman’s administration will face the task of rebuilding trust with both law enforcement and communities while addressing the complex issues that led to the call for reform in the first place. The outcome of this election serves as a reminder that criminal justice reform remains a contentious and evolving issue in American politics.