Gascón and Hochman debate for L.A. County D.A. on election eve

George Gascón, the current Los Angeles County District Attorney, is facing off against former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman in a highly competitive election. The candidates have agreed to participate in a debate on October 8, which will be broadcast live at 5 p.m. Pacific time. This debate is crucial as it occurs just weeks before the November 5 election, a time when both candidates are eager to present their contrasting visions for crime and justice in the county. Gascón is advocating for his reform-oriented policies, which focus on reducing prison populations and exploring alternative methods of prosecution and punishment. In contrast, Hochman is positioning himself as a traditional prosecutor who aims to be tough on crime while also addressing the issue of mass incarceration. Polling data suggests that Hochman is gaining momentum, appealing to voters who may be dissatisfied with Gascón's progressive approach. The candidates have had limited direct interactions throughout the campaign, with their first significant exchange occurring during a recent Zoom forum. This upcoming debate is expected to provide a more substantial platform for both candidates to articulate their positions and challenge each other directly. The moderators for the debate will include KNX anchor Mike Simpson and chief correspondent Charles Feldman, with additional panelists from the Los Angeles Times and KNX News. As the election date approaches, this debate could be pivotal in shaping voter opinions and influencing the final outcome of the race for Los Angeles County District Attorney.