Some view the D.A. race in L.A. as a referendum on the state of public safety in the nation’s most populous county.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has lost his reelection battle against former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, the Associated Press projects.

Nathan Hochman made this declaration on the evening of Nov. 5 as it became clear that his campaign to challenge Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon had been successful. As of press time, election results showed Hochman defeating Gascon by a wide margin.