LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nathan Hochman defeated George Gascón in the race for Los Angeles County district attorney, unseating an incumbent known as the godfather of progressive prosecutors.

Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, calls himself a “tough middle” candidate who would reject both mass incarceration and the “public safety failure” of Gascón’s tenure over the past four years.

He advanced out of a primary field of 11 challengers and spent most of the campaign attacking Gascón’s policies that he said led to an increase in crime and a lack of consequences for juvenile offenders. During the discussions he highlighted the increase in violent crime in the county, a trend also seen across the state and nationally.

Hochman’s victory reflects growing discontent in the state with progressive district attorneys who have pushed for criminal justice reform. Previously there were two attempts to recall Gascón that failed to qualify for the runoff; San Francisco voters ousted one of the first reform-minded prosecutors elected to office in 2022; and Oakland voters were asked in Tuesday’s election whether to remember his own district attorney.

Gascón’s office also recently recommended Erik and Lyle Menendez, The siblings convicted of killing their parents, Kitty and José Menéndez, receive a sentence of 50 years to life in prison, which would make them immediately eligible for parole since they were under 26 years old when the crime was committed.

he said he took several factors into consideration when making their recommendation, including the rehabilitation of the brothers in prison. In documents filed by his office, prosecutors noted the brothers’ educational achievements (both earned several degrees) and their contributions to the community, such as a prison beautification program started by Lyle Menendez.

However, not everyone in Gascón’s office agreed with his decision. One of the brothers’ uncles also wants them to remain in prison. Those who oppose a new sentence will likely have the opportunity to plead their case before the judge.

Gascón also co-authored a ballot measure approved by California voters in 2014 that reclassified certain misdemeanor drug and property crimes as misdemeanors rather than felonies.

Even though Gascón was a former Los Angeles police officer, Hochman had the support of local police unions.

It also had the support of victim advocacy groups; former District Attorney Jackie Lacey, whom Gascón defeated in 2020; developer and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso; and more than 70 current and former elected county officials. Hochman raised nearly $4 million for the campaign.

Originally from Southern California, Hochman emphasized his past prosecutorial experience as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Central District of California. He has also worked as a private defense attorney.

He previously ran unsuccessfully for California attorney general as a Republican, but was an independent in this race and describes himself as a lifelong centrist.

Gascón served as police chief of the Mesa Police Department from 2006 to 2009 before being hired as police chief of the San Francisco Police Department.

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