Progressive Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon is heading for a runoff election after earning 24% of the vote against multiple challengers. He will face Nathan Hockman, who is campaigning on reversing Gascon's crime policies.
In a recent interview, Hockman outlined his plans if elected as district attorney, emphasizing a return to holding criminals accountable for their actions. He pledged to reverse Gascon's policies that he views as pro-criminal, such as allowing theft under $950 to go unpunished and refusing to file gun and gang enhancements in certain cases.
Hockman also highlighted the importance of prioritizing victims and their families, citing instances where prosecutors under Gascon did not support victims during parole board hearings. He aims to assess each case individually, considering factors like the impact on the victim and the nature of the crime to determine appropriate sentencing.
When questioned about his motivation to challenge Gascon, Hockman mentioned meeting parents who had lost children to fentanyl poisoning. He criticized Gascon's approach to fentanyl-related crimes, advocating for treating fentanyl dealers as murderers to deter further offenses.
Regarding voter support, Hockman acknowledged that a majority of voters are still undecided, despite Gascon receiving 24% of the vote and himself receiving 17%. He expressed confidence in his experience and policies, contrasting his track record of prosecuting and defending cases with Gascon's lack of personal courtroom experience.
Hockman believes that concerns about public safety transcend political affiliations and is confident in uniting opposition against Gascon's policies. He highlighted a perceived shift in public sentiment away from lenient approaches to crime and criminal justice reform.
As the runoff election approaches, both candidates are gearing up for a competitive race in a deeply blue county. The outcome will likely hinge on how voters perceive the candidates' stances on crime, accountability, and victim advocacy.
