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. 

Gascon received less than 40% of the vote in a race against Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor who campaigned against the DA’s controversial policies, highlighting them as a public safety risk. 

“The office has to build the trust back with its own prosecutors,” Hochman told Fox News Digital. “He lost trust and credibility with law enforcement… with victims and victims’ families. From day one, I have to rebuild that trust.”

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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.”

Gascon was ushered into office in 2020 amid a reckoning over police misconduct and national calls for criminal justice reform. His directives – such as the elimination of cash bail, not seeking the death penalty and refusing to try underage defendants charged with violent crimes as adults – were panned by critics as being too soft on crime. 

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. 

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Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon addresses the media during a press conference on developments for the case of brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

He also co-authored Proposition 47, a 2014 voter-approved measure that downgraded most thefts from felonies to misdemeanors if the amount stolen was under $950 and reclassified some felony drug offenses as misdemeanors. The law became the scorn of critics as retail and smash-and-grab thefts in California increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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. 

On Tuesday, voters overwhelmingly backed a measure to roll back some of Prop 47’s provisions. Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, will undo portions of Prop 47 by increasing penalties for some crimes. 

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

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Justice advocate Bertha Fraire of the Cherokee Nation, left, whose daughter’s kidnapping and death, stating that no suspects have been identified and brought to justice even after four years, takes a photo with Nathan Hochman, an independent Los Angeles County District Attorney candidate, during a campaign event in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 26. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

In Alameda County, across the bay from San Francisco, Pamela Price was recalled as district attorney two years after taking office. Critics accused Price of being soft on crime after her handling of several cases. 

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. 

“I spoke to ultra-left liberals, independents and conservative Republicans. And it turns out that even though they don’t agree on much, they do agree that making sure that the district attorney prioritizes their safety and implements policies that will hold criminals accountable for their actions in a smart and proportional manner really matters,” he said.

Los Angeles County district attorney George Gascon meets with media in Grand Park on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA.  (Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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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.

Daniel Lurie, the first-time candidate, made it official this morning: He is San Francisco’s next mayor, and a public servant who will likely work for free. 

“I have to talk to the city attorney about salary. I don’t anticipate taking one, but I have to talk to him about that,” said Lurie, the Levi Strauss heir to a crowd of supporters, campaign staffers, and reporters at St. Mary’s Square in Chinatown on Friday morning. This was the mayor-elect’s first public address since election night. 

As for his own wealth, which enabled him to pour over $8.6 million into the campaign, Lurie said he will put all of his holdings into a blind trust on Day One. He takes office on Jan. 8. 

Lurie said he received a “gracious call” from Mayor London Breed on Thursday, who conceded the race to Lurie that afternoon, and said she will work with him on a smooth transition. 

“Your voices and your call for accountable leadership, service and change have been heard,” Lurie said reflecting on his 13-month-long campaign. “I stand before you, humbled and inspired with the great honor and privilege of serving you, the people of San Francisco, as your next mayor.”

The press conference was scant on details but did offer a couple: He will declare a fentanyl state of emergency on Day One, as he promised on the campaign trail, and he said public safety would be his “No. 1 priority” including focusing on drug dealing. “We’re gonna get tough,” he said.

He reiterated the issues he promised to address during his administration: street cleanliness and safety, drug and behavioral health crises, City Hall corruption and ineffective bureaucracy, housing affordability, small businesses and downtown revitalization.

Lurie acknowledged the challenges ahead: Both San Francisco’s own economic and social challenges and those brought about by the ascent of a second Trump administration. But as to how to prepare for such challenges, the mayor-elect laid out some high-level, common-sense promises, but scant details were revealed during the 15-minute press conference. 

Lurie said he will build a world-class administration but didn’t offer any names of who will be on his team — only promising that the administration will “reflect the diversity” of the city. “The people I hire and appoint will not be in service to me, but to all of you and your desire to have a City Hall that works and listens to you,” the mayor-elect promised.

As for the looming fear and worry among San Franciscans in the face of four years of Trump, Lurie, who has “serious disagreement with President Donald Trump,” offered reassurance. “San Francisco will stand up for the rights of all of our neighborhoods,” he said. “We will never turn a blind eye to racism, bigotry, or anti-Asian hate.” He said his disagreements with the Trump administration would not stop him from doing work here in San Francisco.

Fielding questions from the press, Lurie did not say whether he would fire the police chief, and said he would not interfere in the process of Breed appointing a new District 2 supervisor when the incumbent Catherine Stefani leaves for her new job as a California Assemblymember. He was one of the few candidates who declined to offer voters a list of those he would fire, saying that he instead would interview all department heads in the first months of his administration.  

As for the San Francisco Unified School District budget that will drop next week, Lurie said will work with Maria Su, the new superintendent. 

And as for the persisting illegal street vending issue plaguing the Mission District, Lurie didn’t offer solutions but assures that it will be his focus in the Mission and every corner of the city. 

“We have change coming on January 8th, 2025,” Lurie said in closing. “This city will rise again.”

Mayor Harrell thanks voters for supporting the levy, which will generate $1.55 billion over 8 years to fund transportation improvements in Seattle

SEATTLE – Mayor Bruce Harrell and City of Seattle leadership appreciate the preliminary approval by voters of City of Seattle Proposition No. 1, the $1.55 billion Seattle Transportation Levy. The levy is passing with over 66% of the vote in yesterday’s election according to King County Elections.

The levy will provide approximately $170 million annually over 8 years to fund transportation projects and programs. With this revenue, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will maintain and modernize the city’s aging infrastructure by building sidewalks, paving streets, repairing bridges, and improving connections to transit for a safe, reliable, and connected Seattle.

“Seattle’s election results show that voters want to build a safe transportation system that works for everyone,” said Mayor Harrell. “The 2024 Transportation Levy was shaped by community input and reflects the City of Seattle’s commitment to a One Seattle vision for a safe, reliable, and connected transportation system, as well as our ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and services citywide. Our administration worked closely with community members, advocates, and stakeholders to create a bold plan for safer streets, reliable transit, and better connections for all Seattle neighborhoods. This levy means safer bridges, smoother roads, more sidewalks, better transit connections, and much more to support people who live, work, and play in Seattle.”

The levy will fund a range of projects reflecting the city’s evolving transportation needs and priorities. Key investments include:

• Accelerating new sidewalk construction and making thousands of repairs
• Improving safety for the city’s most vulnerable travelers
• Prioritizing paving, street maintenance, and modernization
• Extending the lifespan of Seattle’s aging bridges
• Creating jobs across the region

“We are very grateful to Seattle voters for their support of maintaining and modernizing our streets and bridges over the next eight years,” said Greg Spotts, SDOT Director. “SDOT is ready to get off to a strong start on the many projects and programs contained in the Levy package, working collaboratively with community members, other city departments, King County Metro and Sound Transit.”

Unanimously supported by the Seattle City Council earlier this year, the Transportation Levy is the culmination of extensive planning and collaboration, involving city leaders, community organizations, and transportation advocates. Seattle City Council is expected to approve the final 2025-2026 budget this month, and the election will be officially certified on December 5. Collection of Levy funds begin on January 1, 2025.

“I want to thank Seattle voters for approving the 2024 Transportation Levy. Let’s move Seattle!” said Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) who chairs the Council’s Transportation Committee. “The Mayor’s Office and my colleagues on the Council worked hard to ensure that the transportation projects included in the levy would meet Seattle needs now, but also invest in the future. I can’t wait to work with our Seattle Department of Transportation – making our streets safer, building out our sidewalk network, giving our residents more reliable options to move around, and improving our transportation infrastructure.”

SDOT is taking steps now to be ready to start work on the new levy in January 2025. This includes prioritizing crew-delivered projects that can be completed in winter, beginning public engagement to plan for new sidewalks, and developing several large capital projects, such as major upgrades on the City’s busiest streets and bridges.

For more information about the levy visit, https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/levy.

What People Are Saying

“Voters’ approval of the Seattle transportation levy shows they see the value in making sure people can safely and reliably get where they need to go: to work, school, recreational and cultural centers, the outdoors, and back home to their families. Thank you to Mayor Bruce Harell, City Council Transportation Committee Chair Rob Saka, and the entire Seattle City Council for proposing a transportation levy that matched voter priorities and supports a thriving, equitable, and inclusive regional economy. We couldn’t agree more with the voters, and we’re thrilled with this result!” Rachel Smith, President and CEO, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

“By passing Seattle Prop 1, voters have shown, once again, they care strongly about creating safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation options throughout the city. Seattle Prop 1 will invest in safety improvements on our most dangerous streets, build 350 blocks of missing sidewalks, and connect neighborhoods with safe bike routes. This levy will make big improvements for people who walk, bike, or roll to where they need to go. But no matter how you get around, this levy will make your neighborhood safer, more sustainable, and more accessible.” Clara Cantor, Community Organizer, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways

“Thank you, Seattle voters, for passing the Keep Seattle Moving Levy. This outcome represents a mandate for the city to continue transforming our streets to make them safe for everyone—regardless of how we get around. This includes adding new bike lanes and improving the existing bike network to make it safer and more equitably accessible. For Cascade Bicycle Club, this is just the beginning. We’re committed to ensuring the city delivers on the bike safety commitments that were fundamental to the formation and passage of this levy!”  Lee Lambert, Executive Director, Cascade Bicycle Club

“By passing this levy, Seattle voters made a historic investment in our transportation infrastructure. This will mean safer and faster options for working people to get around and more than 11,000 good jobs for our community.” Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, MLK Labor

“Accessible sidewalks and crosswalks are a lifeline for people with disabilities and make our city safer for everyone. By nearly doubling the rate of sidewalk construction, this levy is a critical step to creating an accessible transportation system within our lifetimes.” Cecelia Black, Seattle Transit Organizer, Disability Mobility Initiative, Disability Rights Washington

“We can’t wait for the transit improvements that this levy will build! Because we passed Prop. 1, Seattleites will have better access to light rail stations, and enjoy bus trips with fewer delays. By improving access to frequent and reliable transit, we’ll make it possible for more people to get around without a car.”  Kirk Hovenkotter, Executive Director, Transportation Choices Coalition

“SDOT’s Transportation Equity Workgroup (TEW) is grateful to voters that the Seattle Transportation Levy has passed. We worked closely with SDOT to ensure the levy reflects the values of the Transportation Equity Framework (TEF), prioritizing underserved communities. This levy is dedicated to making transportation investments that are community-driven and equitable, centering the needs of low-income, BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, disabled, and aging communities.  It aligns with the City’s Race and Social Justice (RSJ) Ordinance and ensures that future transportation projects meet the needs of those historically overlooked.” Seattle Department of Transportation’s Transportation Equity Workgroup

“The passage of the Keep Seattle Moving Levy by voters is a great win for Seattle’s University District. This levy will drive economic growth and connectivity in the U District by funding essential infrastructure improvements, like maintenance of our bridges, expanded bike lanes, and safer pedestrian corridors. These enhancements will make it easier for people to access local businesses and connect to jobs, education, and housing across Seattle, helping our neighborhood thrive as a key economic and cultural hub.” Don Blakeney, Executive Director, U District Partnership

“By passing the Transportation levy, Seattle voters have once again prioritized safer streets and increased transportation options that make our city a more vibrant, equitable, sustainable place to live. Transportation infrastructure touches our lives every day. The voter-approved levy investments will give people real choices in how they navigate our city and ensure our system remains well-maintained, modernized, and connected now and well into the future.” Alex Hudson, Executive Director, Commute Seattle

“Over the next 15 years, Sound Transit will be expanding light rail to West Seattle, to Ballard and adding a station in the Rainier Valley at Graham Street. Thanks to the support of voters, the levy will now provide critical funds for projects that give people safe, convenient and equitable access to stations in our growing light rail network.” Goran Sparrman, Interim CEO, Sound Transit

“The Port of Seattle looks forward to working in partnership with the City of Seattle to implement the Seattle Transportation Plan, which is critical investment in support of the movement of people and freight throughout our region. A robust transportation system is essential for our gateways and in support of our goal of economic development for the region. The Port is committed to supporting implementation of the significant investments that will serve our ground, air, and maritime transportation sectors.”  Toshiko Hasegawa, Vice President, Port of Seattle Commission