Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón and his opponent in the race for his office, former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, have agreed to hold a debate next month that will be hosted by KNX News and The Los Angeles Times.
The debate will be broadcast live at 5 p.m. PT on Oct. 8 on KNX (97.1 FM and 1070 AM) and The Times and KNX digital and social platforms.
The showdown in this tight race comes at a crucial time in the final weeks before the Nov. 5 vote. The candidates are selling voters very different visions on crime and justice in Los Angeles County. Polls indicate that Hochman, with his promise to reverse many of Gascón’s progressive policies, has strong momentum in the race.
Gascón will seek to defend his record of reformist policies aimed at reducing the prison population and instituting alternative approaches to prosecution and punishment.
Hochman presents himself as a more traditional prosecutor, tough on crime but still focused on curbing mass incarceration.
So far, the candidates have rarely faced each other face to face during the campaign. Last week's Zoom forum Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, they faced off for the first time, exchanging polite remarks while technical difficulties and a fast-paced format left room for deeper dialogue.
In the October debate, both candidates will seek to win the support of voters in what could be their last confrontation before Election Day.
Viewers can listen for free on KNX News (97.1 FM and 1070 AM) or watch via streaming video on Latimes.com, KNX.com Newshe LA Times App or the LA Times YouTube Channel.
The debate will be moderated by KNX anchor Mike Simpson and chief correspondent Charles Feldman. Times reporters James Queally and Brittny Mejia and KNX News reporter Emily Valdez will serve as panelists.
