**Angry Voters Oust LA DA Gascón, Elect Hochman Amid Crime Spike**

In a decisive move, Los Angeles County voters have ousted District Attorney George Gascón, known for his progressive reforms, in favor of Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor. Gascón, who introduced significant criminal justice changes after his 2020 election, managed to secure less than 40% of the votes. Hochman highlighted Gascón's policies as a "public safety failure" during his four-year tenure.

Hochman, addressing supporters early Wednesday, stated, "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." He vowed to prioritize the safety of all residents, regardless of their vote.

Throughout his campaign, Hochman stressed the alarming rise in violent crime across the county—a trend also observed statewide and nationally. Between 2019 and 2023, violent crime in Los Angeles County increased by 8%, according to reports from the California Department of Justice. Notably, this rise was even more pronounced in other California counties with traditional prosecutors.

Gascón's tenure was marked by contentious reforms like eliminating cash bail, refraining from seeking the death penalty, and avoiding trying juveniles as adults. He also played a key role in a 2014 ballot measure that downgraded certain drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. However, on the same day as his defeat, voters passed a measure to partially reverse this law, reclassifying shoplifting as a felony for repeat offenders and increasing penalties for some drug offenses.

Gascón faced strong opposition, including two recall attempts and a lawsuit from over 20 prosecutors in his office alleging retaliation for opposing his policies. Hochman's victory has been celebrated by the prosecutors' union as a pivotal moment for restoring balance and accountability to the justice system.

Despite Gascón's background as a former Los Angeles police officer, Hochman garnered significant support from local police unions, victims' advocacy groups, former DA Jackie Lacey, and more than 70 current and former county elected officials. Reflecting on his triumph, Hochman pledged to "make crimes illegal again," and committed to reinstating the death penalty in certain cases and pursuing broader sentencing enhancements, particularly for crimes linked to gang activity.

Hochman, who unsuccessfully ran for California attorney general in 2022 as a Republican, approached this election as an independent, describing himself as a lifelong centrist.