LOS ANGELES—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, avoiding prosecutions of juveniles as adults, and no longer seeking the death penalty, though he later revised some of his policies….