Nathan Hochman

Former federal prosecutor and Beverly Hills native Nathan Hochman unseated incumbent George Gascón in the Nov. 5 General Election race for Los Angeles County District Attorney. Hochman will assume office on Dec. 2.

The race was largely framed by Hochman as a referendum on Gascón’s progressive policies.

“The voters of Los Angeles County have spoken and have said enough is enough of D.A. Gascon’s pro-criminal extreme policies. They look forward to a safer future. 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 said in a statement.

Hochman ran as an independent candidate, promising a “hard middle” approach to criminal justice. In 2022, Hochman ran as a Republican in an unsuccessful bid for California Attorney General against Rob Bonta. He has served as president of the L.A. City Ethics Commission, a U.S. assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice’s Tax Division and an attorney in private practice.

Gascón became district attorney in 2020 following protests and civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn. Gascón implemented several “blanket policies” aimed at curbing mass incarceration when he took office, including a ban on prosecuting minors as adults, an elimination of sentencing enhancements and a rejection of the death penalty.

Gascón conceded defeat in a statement and expressed dismay at the election of Donald Trump as 47th President of the United States.

“The rightward shift across America last night is heartbreaking. Democrats have a long road ahead, but the work is more vital than ever and our commitment will not waver,” Gascón said.

“Nevertheless, I have called Mr. Hochman and wish him the best as Los Angeles County’s next district attorney. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past four years and grateful to the communities who have been and will always be the heart of criminal justice reform.”

Hochman said Gascón vowed to work together with him on a smooth transition.

“It was a positive call,” Hochman said.

California voters also approved statewide Proposition 36, an anti-crime measure which increases punishments for certain theft and drug charges if the defendant has two prior convictions.