LOS ANGELES – After a highly publicized race, former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman defeated incumbent judge George Gascon, and is expected to become Los Angeles County’s next district attorney.

Hochman took a large lead over Gascón. The race was held at 1:06 a.m. Wednesday, and Hochman received 61.4% of the vote.

Weeks before the election, polls showed Hochman with a wide lead over his predecessor.

Hochman has been a longtime critic of Gascón, saying his policies have led to an increase in crime in the county and claiming the former district attorney is “implementing an extremist pro-criminal incarceration policy.”

During his campaign, Hochman said his first day in office would be to reverse Gascón’s “extensive pro-crime policies.” Hochman also promised to get tough on crime and remove politics from the DA’s office.

His goals also include restoring integrity, independence, and trust in the District Attorney’s office and restoring the partnership between law enforcement and the DA’s office.

His plans also include allowing prosecutors to again accompany victims at parole hearings, restoring rehabilitation opportunities to those with mental illness and/or drug addiction, and restoring opportunities and skills to those entering prison.

Hochman promises to be tough.

“The hard middle requires you to look at each case individually, looking at each defendant, the defendant’s background, the crime committed, and the impact on the victim to determine who the real threats to our public safety are. These are often repeat offenders who should be behind bars. And honestly, those who aren’t there, first-time non-violent offenders, have to pay back their debt to society if they break the laws of society. However, the punishment must be proportionate to the crime.”

Hochman’s history

Hochman a He has been a defense lawyer for 24 years and a prosecutor for 10 years. He previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Tax Division from 2008 to 2009. He also served as chairman of the L.A. City Ethics Commission from 2011 to 2016.

Hochman was a centrist Democrat for 20 years and a centrist Republican for 20 years. He ran his campaign independently.