George Gascón, a former Los Angeles district attorney known for his progressive criminal justice reform agenda, suffered a surprising defeat in the 2024 election to Nathan Hochman. Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, campaigned on undoing Gascón’s policies, positioning himself as a “hard middle” candidate.
Gascón’s supporters argue that his policies were unfairly blamed for broader social issues, highlighting decreases in crime during his tenure. Hochman, on the other hand, plans to seek longer prison terms and crack down on low-level offenses.
One of the key points of contention between the two candidates is the case of the Menendez brothers, convicted of killing their parents in 1989. Gascón recommended their re-sentencing and release, citing their rehabilitation, while Hochman plans to re-examine the case.
Despite his defeat, Gascón remains committed to reducing incarceration and advocating for criminal justice reform. He stresses the importance of giving people a second chance and believes that prioritizing getting people out of prison could lead to significant savings and community impact. He also criticizes the Democratic party for its ambiguous messaging and failure to fully embrace reform.
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