**Nathan Hochman Poised to Become LA County's Next District Attorney, Leading by Wide Margin**

Former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman looks set to unseat incumbent George Gascón as Los Angeles County District Attorney, with early ballot counts showing Hochman leading with approximately 61% of the votes to Gascón's 39%.

"It's a big job, but I am absolutely energized by the fact that I've got over 750 prosecutors who are ready to get to work," Hochman told Eyewitness News Tuesday night. "I've got tens of thousands of law enforcement officers who will no longer say 'my hands are tied.'"

Gascón, who was elected in 2020 with promises of criminal justice reform following the police killing of George Floyd, now faces a strong challenge from Hochman, who criticizes Gascón's policies as contributing to increased crime rates and leniency towards juvenile offenders. Hochman advanced from a crowded primary field of 11 candidates and has spent much of his campaign focusing on what he sees as failures in Gascón's tenure, often pointing out rising violent crime trends within the county and nationwide.

"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 stated early Wednesday. "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."

Hochman's anticipated victory signals growing dissatisfaction with progressive district attorneys who have championed substantial criminal justice reforms. There were two prior attempts to recall Gascón, both of which failed to make it to the ballot.

When first elected, Gascón committed to not seeking the death penalty, refraining from charging juveniles as adults, and not pursuing sentencing enhancements. Endorsed by notable figures including Gov. Gavin Newsom and then-Mayor Eric Garcetti, Gascón succeeded in unseating incumbent Jackie Lacey. Reflecting on his term, Gascón cited challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, "It would be unrealistic... to expect that in four years, we're going to turn everything around."

Notably, a measure Gascón co-authored in 2014 reclassified some low-level offenses as misdemeanors. This week, voters also approved a measure to partially reverse that law, reinstating harsher penalties for repeat shoplifters and certain drug offenses.

Despite being a former Los Angeles police officer, Gascón faced opposition from local police unions, which backed Hochman. Hochman also garnered endorsements from victims' advocacy groups, former D.A. Jackie Lacey, developer Rick Caruso, and over 70 current and former county officials, raising nearly $4 million for his campaign.

A Southern California native, Hochman has emphasized his prosecutorial experience as an assistant U.S. attorney and his work as a private defense lawyer. Previously running unsuccessfully for California attorney general as a Republican, Hochman ran this race as an independent, describing himself as a lifelong centrist.