Voters Shift Right on Crime in Recent Elections

Major cities and states embrace tougher crime policies, rejecting previous reform measures.

In California, Proposition 36 passed, reversing earlier reforms by increasing penalties for theft and drug offenses.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price were ousted due to perceived leniency.
Voters in Portland and Oakland elected new leadership focused on addressing crime and homelessness more aggressively.
Propositions in Arizona and Colorado also reflected a preference for stricter crime measures, including harsher sentences for violent crimes.
The shift in voter sentiment is seen as a response to rising crime rates and dissatisfaction with progressive criminal justice reforms.