Newsom Makes Surprising Choice for D.A.

In an unexpected move, San Francisco Police Chief George Gascón has been named the city’s new district attorney by outgoing mayor Gavin Newsom.

Gascón’s name did not surface as a viable candidate until a Sunday article in the San Francisco Chronicle by columnists Phil Matier and Andrew Ross. They stated that “he emerged as a candidate for the D.A.’s job after Board of Supervisor President David Chiu finally made clear Thursday that he had no interest in the job.”

The Chronicle reported that the final three choices were Kamala Harris pick Paul Henderson Jr., retired Superior Court Judge Harry Low and Gascón.

Newsom swore in Gascón on Sunday afternoon. He wanted to make a decision on who would be the next district attorney on Sunday as he is scheduled to be sworn in as lieutenant governor on Monday in Sacramento.

Gascón assumed leadership of the San Francisco Police Department in August of 2009. He had previously served as police chief in Mesa, Arizona for three years.

He was appointed to the Los Angeles Police Department in 1978. He served as an officer until 1981, took a leave, then returned full-time in 1987. His last assignment before leaving for the Mesa Police Department was serving as the Los Angeles Police Department’s Assistant Police Chief.

It is still uncertain who will replace Gascón as police chief in San Francisco.

Photo Credit: By Shawncalhoun (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons