Los Angeles' new DA-elect says woke predecessor lost trust of prosecutors, victims: 'I have to rebuild that'

Los Angeles County's newly elected district attorney said one of his first orders of business will be to regain the trust of the community after voters ousted first-term progressive District Attorney George Gascon on Tuesday, ending what critics deemed a failed progressive overhaul of the country's largest criminal justice system. 

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Gascon commented on Tuesday's election, saying the country's "rightward shift across America last night is heartbreaking."

"Democrats have a long road ahead, but the work is more vital than ever and our commitment will not waver," he said. "Nevertheless, I have called Mr. Hochman and wish him the best as Los Angeles County's next District Attorney. I'm deeply proud of what we've accomplished over the past four years and grateful to the communities who have been and will always be the heart of criminal justice reform."

Upon taking office, Hochman said he plans to eliminate "blanket, extreme pro-criminal policies," such as gang members engaging in violent crimes as part of their initiation. 

"That's what the George Gascon decarseration policies have effectively meant," he said. 

While in office, Gascon also survived two recall attempts as voters voiced concern over his policies. 

Some also accused him of politicizing the DA's office, such as his recent announcement that he would recommend re-sentencing for the Menendez brothers. 

Hochman was endorsed by police unions, many of Gascon's own prosecutors, as well as many local elected officials. 

Eric Siddall, a Los Angeles country prosecutor and former DA candidate who ran against his boss, said there has been a shift in attitudes about criminal justice.

"I don't know if there's a progressive DA in California anymore. I think they're all gone," he told Fox News Digital. "It's kind of an amazing shift from 2020 to 2024. Voters have clearly stated they want sensible reform, but they also want protection."

Despite political differences between voters, public safety is a crossover issue, said Hochman. 

In Oakland, Mayor Sheng Thao was also ousted from office after recall effort passed with 65% of the vote. In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed was poised to fail in her re-election bid. 

Daniel Lurie was leading the incumbent Breed in the city's first round of ranked-choice voting.