As Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón prepares to run for a second term this November, Gascón sat down with “Inside the Issues” host Amrit Singh for a wide-ranging discussion on crime, retail theft and his run for re-election. 

In the interview, Gascón discussed his upbringing in Cuba and his early career, and how that shaped his philosophy on public safety, criminal justice and law. 

“Growing up in a very poor environment where there were so many complexities to it, anywhere from poverty, racism, gangs and crime, and then going to the LAPD to eventually being where I am today, each of those milestones has caused an evolution in my own thinking,” he said.

When asked about the shift in voters’ views and attitudes toward crime since taking office, Gascón maintained that partisanship and politics have contributed to it.

“The reality is that while crime is down, in general, fear is way up. Of course we are in a moment of hyperpolarization and hyper-politics heading into a historical Presidential election. I think all of that is playing into the mix and impacting politics at the local level,” he said.

Gascón also discussed his opponent for his position, Nathan Hochman, and why he feels his challenger is not the best person for the job.

Click the arrow above to watch the full interview with LA County DA Gascón.

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