In a highly contested race for Los Angeles County District Attorney, crime victims have rallied behind Nathan Hochman, hoping he can unseat incumbent George Gascón in the upcoming November election. Mary Klein, a survivor of a random attack along the Venice canals, joined other crime victims in a downtown L.A. courtyard to voice their concerns about the growing lawlessness in the county. Klein, who suffered a brutal assault, threw her support behind Hochman, believing him to be more aware of the impact of crime on regular people.
Gascón’s progressive policies, once popular, have lost favor among many residents who feel that crime is spiraling out of control, despite statistics suggesting otherwise. Gascón’s weak showing in the March primary, winning only 25% of the vote, and a disapproval rating above 50% among likely voters in a recent poll, indicate a serious challenge for the incumbent in the general election.
Hochman, running as an independent, has positioned himself as the alternative to Gascón. While some accuse him of leveraging conservative crime panic for political gain, Hochman believes his “hard middle” crime-fighting philosophy will resonate with the silent centrist majority. He has vowed to roll back Gascón’s controversial reforms and restore experienced insiders to positions of power within the district attorney’s office.
Hochman’s background as a defense attorney and former federal prosecutor has earned him the support of fellow prosecutors and former primary opponents, including Jonathan Hatami. However, Hochman’s past party affiliation as a Republican could be a liability in a liberal electorate, especially with Trump’s influence shaping the national conversation around crime.
Despite claims that Hochman is a closet conservative, he and his allies argue that his focus is on public safety rather than ideology. Crime victims, like Mary Klein, emphasize the need for a district attorney who prioritizes protecting the public.
As the November election approaches, Hochman has been actively engaging with residents, elected officials, and deputy district attorneys to address their concerns. He aims to present a clear vision for his candidacy and differentiate himself from Gascón.
