Nathan Hochman defeated the progressive incumbent prosecutor Jorge Gascon in the race for Los Angeles County district attorney, as crime was seen as a major issue of the election cycle.

Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, campaigned as a “hard middle” candidate, rejecting both mass incarceration and the “public safety failure” of Gascón’s liberal policies, which Hochman said led to increase in crime and the lack of consequences for juvenile offenders.

“Los Angeles County voters have spoken and said enough of District Attorney Gascón’s extreme pro-crime policies; they look forward to a safer future,” Hochman said in a statement early Wednesday. “As district attorney, I hope to represent all people, whether they voted for me or not, as their safety will be my responsibility.”

A representative for Gascón’s campaign did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ call for comment.

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Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, unseated incumbent liberal District Attorney George Gascón in Los Angeles County. (AP Photo/Damián Dovarganes, File)

He Preliminary data from the FBI for 2022 had predicted that violent crime decreased by a slight 2.1% between 2021 and 2022. However, the FBI updated the data in October and found that violent crime actually increased by 4.5%.

During the debates, Hochman highlighted the increase in violent crime in the county, a trend also seen across the state and nationally. He also received support from local police unions despite Gascón’s prior service as police officer

Gascón is known as the godfather of progressive prosecutors. (Myung Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, File)

The prosecutors’ union called Hochman’s victory a “pivotal moment in the fight to return balance and accountability to the justice system.”

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Gascón has faced two recall attempts as the state became increasingly dissatisfied with progressive policies. He also faces a lawsuit from the union representing prosecutors working in his office for withholding information about a close ally in an alleged violation of the law. California Public Records Law (CPRA).

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.

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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.

Anders Hagstrom of Fox News Digital and The Associated Press contributed to this report.