LOS ANGELES — Tonight, George Gascón received the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP). LACDP is the largest local Democratic Party entity in the United States, representing over 2.2 million registered Democrats and a population larger than 42 other states in the 88 cities and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The effect of the endorsement is significant as Gascón will be featured as the only endorsed Democrat candidate in party communications to LA County Democrats. With Gascón having launched his campaign against a two-term incumbent just 43 days ago, the endorsement is a major feat and marks a milestone in his campaign to reform the Los Angeles County Criminal Justice System.
“I am incredibly humbled and grateful to have the support of the democratic party,” said former District Attorney and Assistant Chief of the LAPD, George Gascón. “This is as much an endorsement of our campaign as it is a sign of support for the movement. Los Angeles is ready for reform, and Angelenos deserve a criminal justice system that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected.”
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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 outoing 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.