Nathan Hochman, a seasoned attorney and advocate for a balanced approach to criminal justice, was officially sworn in as Los Angeles County’s 44th district attorney on Tuesday.
The ceremony took place outside the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles, with former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger administering the oath of office. Hochman’s victory last month over progressive incumbent George Gascón marks a significant shift in leadership for the county’s top prosecutor role.
“I am deeply honored for the opportunity of a lifetime … to lead the finest District Attorney’s Office in the nation — the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office,” Hochman said. “Now to paraphrase Governor Schwarzenegger from many years ago, we are not here today as Democrats, Independents or Republicans. We are here collectively as Angelenos who represent the 10 million clients of the District Attorney’s Office who are looking to live in a county where safety is prioritized, laws are followed, those who break them are held accountable and the process to get there is fair, impartial, ethical and effective.”
Hochman, 61, campaigned on a “hard middle approach” to addressing crime, emphasizing accountability while also advocating for fairness. His professional background is diverse, including roles as a federal prosecutor, an assistant attorney general, a defense attorney, and the president of the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission.
This combination, Hochman noted, gives him a unique perspective as he steps into the role.
In his inaugural remarks, Hochman highlighted the primary concern he encountered during his 18-month campaign: public safety. “The unifying frustration I’ve heard from residents is their growing fear for their safety,” he said. “People now factor fear into their daily lives, and that is unacceptable.”
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including former Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey, who served from 2012 to 2020 before being unseated by Gascón. Lacey’s presence underscored the continuity and gravity of the role.
Hochman takes over an office at the center of fierce debates about crime and justice. His tenure will likely focus on rebuilding public trust, addressing rising crime rates, and navigating the tensions between reform and accountability that have defined recent district attorney races across the nation.
