Early life and education
Nathan Hochman was born and raised in the United States, with a background that reflects a strong connection to both legal service and public policy. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, before going on to attend Harvard Law School, where he honed his legal skills and developed an interest in public service. Hochman’s educational experiences laid the foundation for his future career in law and politics, where he would build a reputation as a tireless advocate for justice.
Legal career and public service
After completing law school, Hochman embarked on a distinguished career as an attorney, working in both private and public sectors. He worked in the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice as a federal prosecutor.His tenure in federal service provided Hochman with the opportunity to tackle complex legal issues and gain valuable experience in handling high-profile criminal cases, including those related to white-collar crime, fraud, and public corruption.
In addition to his role as a federal prosecutor, Hochman served as the Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, where he was involved in prosecuting a wide range of criminal cases. His focus on holding individuals accountable for serious crimes, including those involving public corruption and fraud, helped him gain recognition for his tough-on-crime stance and his ability to navigate the complexities of the judicial system.
Republican nominee for California Attorney General (2022)
In 2022, Hochman made a major leap in his political career by running for California Attorney General as the Republican nominee. His campaign was rooted in his belief that the state’s legal system was failing to hold criminals accountable and that the office of the Attorney General should be focused on public safety, upholding the rule of law, and supporting law enforcement.
Hochman’s platform emphasized cracking down on crime, particularly violent crime, while also advocating for a tough stance on illegal immigration and addressing the state’s ongoing homelessness crisis. His call for stronger penalties for repeat offenders and a reform of California’s criminal justice system resonated with many voters who were concerned about the rising crime rates in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Although he ultimately lost the race for Attorney General to incumbent Rob Bonta, Hochman’s campaign brought attention to his commitment to law and order, and he garnered a significant base of supporters who appreciated his direct approach to addressing crime and justice in California.
Running for Los Angeles County District Attorney (2024)
Building on his political experience and his passion for reforming the justice system, Nathan Hochman has turned his attention to another high-profile race: the Los Angeles County District Attorney (DA) election. In a city that has faced significant challenges with rising crime, rising homelessness, and debates over criminal justice reform, Hochman is positioning himself as a candidate who can restore public confidence in the legal system.
Hochman’s campaign for DA emphasizes a return to the basics of law enforcement—ensuring that criminals are held accountable, victims are protected, and public safety is prioritized. His background as a prosecutor and his time working within the federal justice system provide him with a unique perspective on how to approach crime in Los Angeles County. He is running on a platform that focuses on prosecuting violent criminals, addressing the rising issue of property crimes, and taking a firm stance on crimes like drug trafficking and gang activity.
He has also voiced concerns about the current District Attorney, George Gascón, and his policies, particularly around criminal justice reform. Hochman has been an outspoken critic of Gascón’s progressive reforms, arguing that they have contributed to a rise in crime and that the DA’s office should be more focused on holding offenders accountable rather than prioritizing leniency or minimizing penalties for certain offenses.
In his bid for DA, Hochman’s platform appeals to voters who feel that the current system is failing to protect law-abiding citizens. He promises a return to tough, no-nonsense prosecution, focusing on keeping dangerous individuals off the streets and providing justice to crime victims. His goal is to restore public safety to communities across Los Angeles County, especially in neighborhoods where crime has surged in recent years.
As Hochman continues his campaign for District Attorney, he faces strong opposition but remains committed to his vision of a safer, more accountable Los Angeles County. His legal background, combined with his deep concern for public safety and justice, makes him a formidable candidate in this pivotal race.