Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon and his opponent in the race for his seat, former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, have agreed to a debate next month hosted by KNX News and The Los Angeles Times.
The debate will air at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on October 8 on KNX (97.1 FM and 1070 AM), The Times, and KNX’s digital and social platforms.
The clash in the tight race comes at a crucial time in the final weeks before the Nov. 5 vote. The candidates are selling voters different visions of crime and justice in Los Angeles County. The poll shows Hochman, with his promise to reverse many of Gascon’s progressive policies, has a lot of power in the race.
Gascón will seek to defend his record of reformist policies aimed at reducing the prison population and establishing alternative approaches to prosecution and punishment.
Hochman presents himself as a traditional prosecutor who is tough on crime but still focused on preventing mass incarceration.
So far, the candidates have rarely faced each other in the election campaign. Zoom forum last week Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, they first took to the field exchanging polite comments as technical challenges, and the fast-paced format left room for further dialogue.
In the October debate, both candidates will try to appeal to voters in what could be their final showdown before Election Day.
Viewers can listen to KNX News (97.1 FM and 1070 AM) for free or watch it via streaming video. Latimes.com, KNX.com Newsto LA Times App either LA Times YouTube Channel.
The discussion will be moderated by KNX anchor Mike Simpson and chief accountant Charles Feldman. Times reporters James Qualley and Britney Mejia and KNX News reporter Emily Valdez will serve as panelists.
