"George Gascón Takes Early Lead in Heated LA County DA Race"

Incumbent Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón and Nathan Hochman are leading in the primary race, with Gascón at 23% and Hochman at 18% of the early counted votes. The crowded field includes 11 challengers, with the top two candidates heading for a November runoff if no one secures over 50% of the vote. The challengers, including prosecutors, judges, and a criminal defense attorney, are critical of Gascón's policies, framing a narrative of rising crime in Los Angeles due to lenient approaches to prosecution and sentencing.