LOS ANGELES – Today, Congressman Alan Lowenthal joined U.S. Senators Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, the Los Angeles Democratic Party, the LA Times, LA Daily News and scores more in throwing his support behind George Gascón for Los Angeles District Attorney. Recently, Congressman Adam Schiff and Assemblywoman Laura Friedman pulled their support for the incumbent, and Mayor Eric Garcetti twice walked back his endorsement. In announcing his support, Congressman Lowenthal said:
“I believe that we have come to a defining moment of awakening in the history of our nation. It is a singular moment where we can decide who we are and whether we are strong enough to stand up to right the wrongs of the past and move us all forward–together. This moment calls for a transformative vision. This moment requires serious, effective reform. This moment demands bold, innovative action.
I believe that George Gascón can answer this call and provide the leadership we need. This is why I am endorsing him for Los Angeles District Attorney.
He is an experienced administrator and a thoughtful progressive leader who will set the proper course for the LADA’s office into the future. He has proven he will fight for the well-being of all our communities while demanding accountability and major reform from a misfocused and broken justice system. It is time we invest in communities, in prevention, and in reentry services. We need to champion diversion to keep low-level offenders, the mentally ill, the homeless, and the addicted out of the system. And, for those who must go in, we should impose reasonable sentences aimed at rehabilitation. George Gascón will breathe life into these ideals. I believe that he is the right person, at the right moment, to lead the LADA’s office and I wholeheartedly support him.”
“I’m honored to have Congressman Lowenthal’s support,” said former District Attorney and Assistant Chief of the LAPD, George Gascón. “This is a historic moment, and now more than ever we need leaders that recognize it’s time to leave our system of injustice in the rearview mirror. Congressman Lowenthal is one of those leaders, and I’m honored to have him on my team as we work to rebuild a safer and more sustainable system of justice.”
###
George Gascón grew up in Los Angeles after his family immigrated from Cuba. An army veteran, Gascón served as a Los Angeles Police Department Officer for 30 years, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief of Operations. In 2006 he became Chief of Police in Mesa, Arizona, where he stood up to the hateful and anti-immigrant policies of then Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. In 2009, then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom appointed Gascón Chief of Police. Newsom turned to Gascón again in 2011 when he tapped him to be District Attorney to fill the seat vacated by an outgoing Kamala Harris who had been elected Attorney General. During his tenure Gascón implemented reforms that are being duplicated across the country while overseeing violent crime and homicides drop to rates not seen in 50 years. After being elected to two terms, Gascón returned to Los Angeles to care for his elderly mother and to be closer to his two daughters and grandchildren in Long Beach. Gascón is married to Fabiola Kramsky, a three-time Emmy Award winning journalist and recipient of the “Premio Nacional de Periodismo,” the highest recognition given to journalists in Mexico.
Mr. Gascón is endorsed by the LA Democratic Party, the LA Times, LA Daily News, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren and many more.