Californians tackle theft and drug crime and replace Los Angeles’ district attorney

(The Center Square) – Californians voted by wide margins to crack down on theft and drug crime, passing Proposition 36 and replacing Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon with former U.S. federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman.

Prop. 36, passed with the support of 70.4% of voters at the time of publication, allows for prosecutors to pursue felony charges for serial thieves and major drug crimes after Prop. 47, passed in 2014, merely made many chargeable as crimes that would rarely be prosecuted. Prop. 36 also created a new class of crime called “treatment-mandated crimes,” which would allow individuals to complete mental health or substance abuse treatment instead of going to prison; this portion of the measure targets the state’s homeless population, which includes many people who refuse services and treatment due to addictions and disorders.

Prop. 36 was backed by many prominent Democrats, including San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who embraced a tough-on-crime approach late in her term as her rivals overtook her, and could replace her as mayor in the coming days. the city. ranked choice votes are tabulated. Backers also included San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who appears to have fended off an independent challenger relatively narrowly.

Prop. 36 was opposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, who passed Prop. 47 wrote and was re-elected against former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman. Gascon previously served as San Francisco’s district attorney before running for LA DA and handing the reins to his hand-picked successor, Chesa Boudin, who was ultimately recalled from office by San Francisco voters.

Shoplifting in Los Angeles increased 62% in 2023 alone, which Hochman blamed on Gascon and Prop. 47, with thefts under $950 rarely being prosecuted crimes.

Hochman’s campaign received record funding, reaching its statutory fundraising limit of $2.5 million. At the time this article was published, Hochman was leading with 61.46% of the vote, while Gascon had 38.54%.

“The voters of Los Angeles County have spoken and said enough is enough of DA Gascon’s pro-crime extreme policies; they look forward to a safer future,” said Hochman in a victory statement over X. “As district attorney, I look forward to representing all people, whether they voted for me or not, as their safety will be my responsibility.”