Gascón Takes Early Lead in L.A. County District Attorney Race

Controversial Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón picked up a commanding early lead against 11 opponents in his bid for reelection March 5, claiming nearly 23 percent of the votes by 10 p.m. The incumbent will likely face Nathan Hochman, a former U.S. assistant attorney general, in the general election. Mr. Hochman had earned 18 percent of the tally as results continued to trickle in late Tuesday night. Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami was in third with 12 percent. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent, the top two finishers will compete on the November ballot. The race for the nation’s largest local prosecutorial office could change the way Los Angeles County addresses rising crime and community safety for years to come....