California is supposed to be a reliably Democrat region. That may be changing.
Because Democrats are floored by this absolutely groundbreaking California election news.
Many political commentators are calling the 2024 election the election of “realignment” as there have been many surprise shifts in the electorate that no one was truly expecting. It’s been mostly all bad news for the Democrats and that bad news train isn’t stopping anytime soon, apparently.
Out in California, the most blue state in the entire country, the Democrat District Attorney for Los Angeles has lost in a landslide to the independent opponent when it was originally projected to be a close race. The results that have come in say otherwise.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon Defeated in Landslide by Nathan Hochman
In a stunning electoral outcome, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon has been defeated in a landslide by independent challenger Nathan Hochman, marking a significant shift in the leadership of one of the country’s most crime-ridden urban areas. This development was confirmed by The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times early Wednesday morning.
Gascon, whose policies have been a source of significant controversy, is projected to lose by a wide margin, with Hochman currently leading by more than 20 percentage points. With 59% of the votes counted, Hochman is on track to take over a pivotal seat as Los Angeles continues to grapple with rising crime rates, particularly violent crime, which remains above pre-pandemic levels according to FBI data.
Maybe tied for the most important race of the night if you’re an Angeleno.
Gascon is the single most reprehensible local politician of my lifetime.
Good riddance! pic.twitter.com/cBfPpe4KKX
— Michael Broukhim (@broukhim) November 6, 2024
Hochman’s success in this race was anticipated after Gascon trailed behind for much of the campaign. A UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) poll, cosponsored by the Los Angeles Times, showed Gascon lagging as much as 30 points behind his opponent in early October. Gascon had initially won his seat in 2020 with 53% of the vote, but his approval has since sharply declined amid growing public dissatisfaction with his approach to criminal justice.
“It’s mostly a vote on Gascón,” remarked Mark DiCamillo, director of the UC Berkeley IGS poll. “Hochman is the other candidate in this race and he’s in that fortunate position of running against an unpopular incumbent.”
Hochman, who campaigned on a platform advocating for tougher penalties for crime, was endorsed by a wide range of local police organizations, including the Los Angeles County Police Chief’s Association. His opposition to Gascon’s leniency in prosecuting criminals was a central theme of his candidacy.
“While the final votes haven’t been tallied, all indications are the voices of the residents of LA County have been heard and they’re saying enough is enough of George [Gascón’s] policies and they look forward to a safer future,” Hochman said in reaction to early returns.
Gascon, a progressive prosecutor backed by Left-wing billionaire George Soros, has faced harsh criticism throughout his tenure. Upon assuming office, he pledged not to pursue the death penalty, not to try minors as adults, and not to seek life sentences without the possibility of parole. His controversial decisions, such as offering lenient sentencing to repeat offenders and controversial plea deals, fueled public backlash.
One of the most high-profile examples was Gascon’s decision to release Leroy McCrary, convicted of armed robbery, on probation — only for McCrary to allegedly go on to commit another robbery, during which he fatally shot Patricia McKay. Additionally, Gascon’s office offered a reduced sentence to 61-year-old Nancy Jackson, who was convicted of m*rdering three family members, cutting her potential sentence from 75 years to 20 years.
Gascon’s handling of certain high-profile cases further inflamed public sentiment. He allowed a trans woman, Hannah Tubbs, who had s*xually assaulted a 10-year-old girl when she was just shy of 18, to serve only a two-year sentence in a juvenile facility, despite the severity of the crime.
His tenure as district attorney coincided with a notable increase in crime. Violent crime in Los Angeles rose by 12%, and property crime increased by 15% between 2021 and 2023, according to data from CalMatters. These rising crime rates, coupled with Gascon’s controversial policies, led to a sharp decline in his approval ratings and ultimately his electoral defeat.
In addition to the Soros-backed funding for his 2020 campaign, Gascon did not receive financial support for his 2024 reelection bid from the billionaire, who had also refrained from backing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price in her re-election race. While Gascon’s early years in office were marked by a focus on reform and progressive criminal justice policies, the backlash against his approach ultimately played a decisive role in his ouster from office.
As Gascon concedes defeat, Hochman now faces the challenge of addressing the city’s ongoing crime problem and restoring public trust in the district attorney’s office. With Hochman’s victory, many are hoping for a new direction in prosecuting crime and ensuring the safety of Los Angeles residents.
Be sure to stay right here on the Conservative Column for 2024 election reports and commentary.
