The race for Los Angeles County District Attorney is narrowing as current officeholder George Gascón and ex-federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman seem set for a November showdown, with no candidate claiming a majority in the primary. Gascón leads with 21.4% of the vote while Hochman trails behind at 17.7%, indicating a runoff is on the horizon, as per KTLA.
Out of the total 12 contenders vying for the DA's seat, only Gascón and Hochman made significant headway the third-place finisher, deputy district attorney Jonathan Hatami, securing 13.4% of the votes, CBS Los Angeles reports, the remaining ballots yet to be counted could vary the percentages, though not the likely outcome. Gascón, known for his progressive policies, such as ending cash bail, is facing criticism from multiple opponents including Hatami who operates within his own office.
Gascón, amid the contentiousness of his tenure, is positing that crime rates have dropped under his watch, citing support from esteemed law enforcement figures. However, a tough reelection campaign awaits him as polling indicates a 51% disapproval rating among LA residents, according to CBS Los Angeles.
Nonetheless, Gascón hopes the general election will usher in "meaningful conversations around policy," a directing away, one might say, from the personal attacks that have marked the primary, he said, as stated by KTLA.
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