Emily Elena Dugdale

The race has attracted national attention; a progressive tide has swept reformists into office in DA races across the country, and L.A. County -- home to the largest prosecutor's office in the U.S. -- is the biggest prize so far.

An early morning knock on the door at Lacey's home led to a brief standoff in which her husband pointed a gun at a protester and threatened to shoot her. The DA later said her husband was "profoundly sorry."

George Gascon and Rachel Rossi hope to ride a wave of progressive candidates who have won district attorney elections around the country.

She touts her support of bail reform and mental health diversion, while taking heat for pursuing the death penalty and almost never prosecuting cops who shoot civilians.

Lacey is seeking a third term against two challengers: former San Francisco DA George Gascon and former public defender Rachel Rossi.

Listen to our radio profile of DA candidate George Gascon.

Listen to our radio profile of self-described "underdog" DA candidate Rachel Rossi.

The evening offered voters a chance to hear from the candidates on record in a race that has garnered national attention, as this is the latest — and largest — battleground in a national push to get reformist DA's elected. It was also an emotionally charged night, with the audience disrupting the proceedings several times.

George Gascon and Rachel Rossi staked out positions to the left of incumbent DA Jackie Lacey, who argued both of her challengers are unqualified.

Reform candidates George Gascon and Rachel Rossi seek to oust incumbent DA Jackie Lacey in the March 3 primary.