By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/newsom-says-he-will-commute-all-548-of-californias-death-sentences-to-life-without-parole Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Newsom says he will commute all 548 of California's death sentences to life without parole Politics Nov 5, 2026 3:07 PM EST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday that he'll change all death sentences in the state to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Newsom's decision comes as he prepares to leave office after eight years. In 2019, he placed a moratorium on executions in the state but hundreds of people remained on death row. There are currently 548 people on the state's death row. "I take this action because I firmly believe that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values, undermines the foundations of our legal system, and diminishes each of us," Newsom said in a letter. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News According to the state constitution, the California Supreme Court's approval is required to grant clemency to anyone convicted of…
Newsom says he will commute all 548 of California's death sentences to life without parole
In short
The sweeping clemency effort will convert every current death sentence into life imprisonment without parole, reflecting the administration's stance that capital punishment degrades the justice system. Because the state constitution mandates high-court oversight for repeat felons, the California Supreme Court must approve clemency for any inmates with multiple felony convictions. While civil rights advocates lauded the historic shift, the governor admitted the decision was among the most grueling of his career.
Key points
- The governor is enacting this sweeping clemency as he prepares to exit office after servi…: The governor is enacting this sweeping clemency as he prepares to exit office after serving eight years.
- The American Civil Liberties Union endorsed the commutations while actively challenging t…: The American Civil Liberties Union endorsed the commutations while actively challenging the state's capital statute in court.
- The governor accepted sole personal responsibility for the commutations despite acknowled…: The governor accepted sole personal responsibility for the commutations despite acknowledging the distress caused to victims' families.