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How LA's District Attorney Went From Criminal Justice Reform Warrior to Endangered Incumbent

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Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon addresses police accountability and the actions taken by his office to restore trust in the community during a press conference on May 25, 2022 in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Concerns over crime and public safety are the backdrop for a lively and very competitive race to be L.A. County’s top prosecutor. When he first ran for office four years ago, incumbent George Gascón promised to make big changes, like not seeking the death penalty, not charging juveniles as adults and getting rid of cash bail. Now he’s facing an uphill battle, with 11 candidates challenging him — including three of his own deputies. 

Scott and Marisa are joined by LAist correspondent Frank Stoltze to talk about the dynamics of the race, the stakes for criminal justice reform and Gascón’s chances for political survival.

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