With the latest polls showing a 30-point lead for challenger Nate Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon’s reelection bid appears all but doomed. As Gascon’s tenure nears its end, his deep unpopularity and the widespread backlash against his lenient crime policies serve as a cautionary tale for the Democratic Party’s stance on law enforcement, with Vice President Kamala Harris being a notable proponent.
Harris had enthusiastically endorsed Gascon’s 2020 campaign, praising him as a “proven leader” in criminal justice reform. However, Gascon’s actions have been marked by a significant decrease in the state prison population, often at the expense of public safety. A striking example is the case of Denmonne Lee, who, at 16, was involved in the murder of a former Marine. Gascon opted to try Lee as a juvenile, resulting in a relatively lenient sentence. Lee was released on probation within a year, only to be arrested again for another murder.
Nate Hochman, Gascon’s challenger, has criticized the incumbent’s policies, stating, “When crimes go unpunished, there’s no deterrent. Gascon’s refusal to charge juveniles with misdemeanors has led to a surge in flash-mob robberies and an 81% increase in shoplifting over the past year.” Since Gascon took office, Los Angeles County has seen a 12% rise in violent crimes, 16% increase in robberies, 20% surge in property crimes, 23% jump in auto theft, and a staggering 133% increase in shoplifting, according to the California Department of Justice.
These statistics have left two-thirds of Los Angeles County residents feeling less safe than before Gascon’s tenure began. The impending rejection of Gascon’s policies at the polls serves as a warning to the nation: this approach, endorsed by VP Harris, could be replicated across the US if she were to influence the appointment of prosecutors. The potential consequences are alarming – a focus on prosecuting perceived social injustices while neglecting to hold perpetrators of serious crimes accountable, ultimately compromising public safety. As Los Angeles County prepares to move away from Gascon’s approach, voters nationwide would do well to take note of the lessons learned.
