LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who was elected four years ago on a progressive platform but has become a target of critics who accuse him of being soft on criminals, will face a tough reelection challenge Tuesday from former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman.
Gascón has defended his record while in office, denying allegations that his policies have led to an increase in crime. But Hochman has disputed that claim and said he would ensure people serve appropriate punishment for their crimes.
During a recent debate hosted by KNX News and the Los Angeles Times, Gascón highlighted his progressive policies -- several of which he implemented once he took office in 2020 -- such as limiting extra-long sentences for people accused of using a gun or being a gang member, prosecutions of juveniles as adults and no longer seeking the death penalty, though he later revised some of his policies.
But Hochman said such policies have led to an increase in crime across the county and said he would revoke several of Gascón's directives.
Hochman touted his "hard middle approach" to crime, stating that it will not lead to mass incarceration but rather cases would be reviewed individually and punishment is proportional for the crime committed.
According to the California Department of Justice, violent crime is up about 8% from 2019 to 2023 countywide, but in Los Angeles violent crime decreased by about 6%.
"We should not be worse than any other D.A.'s office out there. The L.A. County D.A.'s Office used to be the gold standard by which all other D.A.'s offices had measured," Hochman said.
Gascón pushed back, saying the District Attorney's Office was previously known as the "most carceral county in the country." He said there were issues as well with the death penalty, sending juveniles to adult prisons and addressing police misconduct -- all things he has worked to undo.
Gascón insisted that his office has been holding criminal accountable for their crimes, including retail and residential theft.
"The reality is that the problem of policing certain crimes is not unique to our county," Gascón said during the debate. "Frankly, it's not unique to the moment, but the job of the district attorney is not to police. The job of the district attorney is to prosecute, and when cases are being brought in front of us, we're looking at those cases and we're holding people accountable the way that we can do best."
Gascón said his office has a 90% filing rate related to residential burglaries, emphasizing that suspects in such crimes are being held accountable.
He also pointed to his tougher stance on prosecuting law enforcement officers accused of misconduct or excessive force. Gascón touted "moving the needle" in 125 cases that have led to some convictions.
Gascón commented that Hochman may not be capable of handling such cases, referencing his challengers' endorsements and campaign contributions from unions representing law enforcement officers.
Hochman noted he was a co-founder of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Foundation, which raises funds to support the department.
"When I speak to police officers, I make it crystal clear, if you cross the line, you will be prosecuted," Hochman insisted.
Hochman also pointed to high-profile robberies of homes, 7-Eleven stores, retail and other local businesses that he said have led to increased concerns from residents and business owners over public safety.
"We need to send a very strong message of enforcement, accountability and ultimately deterrent to those residential burglaries, and if they're coming, for instance, overseas from Chile or from Venezuela, we have to work with the federal government," Hochman said.
Gascón survived two attempts to recall him, and during his tenure has also been accused by 20 prosecutors of workplace retaliation.
Hochman said morale in the office is at a "all-time low," accusing Gascón of creating "a dysfunctional office."
During his campaign, Hochman has touted what he calls his "Blueprint for Justice" that he says would "restore safety and justice to our county."
As part of his blueprint, Hochman vows to "restore the purpose of the District Attorney's Office to fairly, effectively, and vigorously prosecute those who break laws in Los Angeles County based on the evidence and the law."
Hochman said he would also "restore the integrity and independence of the district attorney by not making decisions based on a party affiliation or political ideology but solely on the facts and the law."
Gascón, meanwhile, has said he intends to continue looking at the criminal justice system "not with a rear-view mirror but looking forward."
"When you listen to my opponent, you're listening to code talk for mass incarceration," Gascón said during the recent debate. "You're often listening to someone that believes -- from a very privileged point -- that he has the answer for the rest of our community, and is very willing to take us back to where we were before."