The Los Angeles County district attorney’s race is a huge deal. The incumbent is Jackie Lacey, who became the first Black woman to hold the office in 2012 – but her challenger is shaking things up.
Here are a few important facts you need to know.
1. Police Support Lacey
After her husband pulled a gun on Black Lives Matter protesters, it was clear there was a disconnect between Lacey and the people. Since her challenger, George Gascón, is more critical of policing, police groups are backing Lacey.
How much? They’ve given 75% of her total donations, totalling $5.8 million!
2. Black Protesters Want To Remove Lacey
Under Lacey ONLY people of color, nearly half of them Black, have been sentenced to death as of 2019. Her opponent denounced the racist use of the death penalty.
Black protests have targeted Lacey for this and for protecting police.
3. Police Brutality: Two Controversial Views
Lacey refused to prosecute police who killed Black people. BLM L.A. has demanded accountability from her with no success. George Gascón has promised to hold police accountable – but he has a record of clearing police too, in San Francisco.
4. Many Have Already Chosen
The Public Defenders Union, Kamala Harris, John Legend and others have thrown their support behind Gascón. While he’s openly more reform-minded than Lacey, the system he’ll work for will still be unjust. Progressive or not, the fight will continue!