(Center Square) – Californians voted by a wide margin to crack down on theft and drug-related crime, passing Proposition 36 and replacing Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon with former U.S. Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Prop. 36, which was adopted with the support of 70.4% of voters at the time of publication, allows for prosecutors to pursue felony charges for serial thieves and major drug offenses after Prop. 47, passed in 2014, made many only charged as crimes that would rarely be prosecuted. Prop. 36 also created a new class of crimes called a “treatment-mandated offense” that would allow people to complete mental health or substance abuse treatment instead of going to prison; this part of the measure targets the state’s homeless population, which includes many people who refuse services and treatment for addictions and disorders.

Prop. 36 was supported by many prominent Democrats, including San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who late in her term embraced a tough stance on crime as her rivals caught up and could replace her in the position of mayor in the following days, as the city hall. ranked choice votes are tabulated. Supporters also included San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who appears to have narrowly edged out an independent challenger.

Prop. 36 was opposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, who authored Prop. 47 and was re-elected against former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman. Gascon was previously San Francisco’s district attorney before moving to run for LA DA and handing the reins to his handpicked successor, Chesa Boudin, who was eventually recalled from office by San Francisco voters.

The Los Angeles heist grew up 62% only in 2023, which Hochman attributed to Gascon and Prop. 47, under which thefts under $950 were rarely prosecuted.

Hochman’s campaign received record funds, hitting the legal fundraising cap of $2.5 million. At the time of publication, Hochman was leading with 61.46% of the vote, while Gascon had 38.54%.

“Los Angeles County voters have spoken and said enough is enough of DA Gascon’s extreme pro-crime policies; they look forward to a more secure future.” said Hochman in a victory statement on X. “As a YES, I look forward to representing all people, whether they voted for me or not, because their safety will be my responsibility.”