California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday, Nov. 5, that he plans to commute the death sentences of all 548 people on the state’s death row to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He made the announcement in an open letter to Californians, according to CBS Sacramento, KQED and CalMatters.
Key Highlights
- The move covers 529 men and 19 women, according to the Marshall Project.
- It does not repeal the death penalty. Prosecutors can still seek death sentences in future cases, CBS Sacramento reported.
- Cases involving people convicted of more than one felony need California Supreme Court approval, so the outcome is not final.
- Prosecutors and victims’ groups criticized the decision. Anti-death-penalty groups praised it.
What Newsom Announced
Newsom said he will use his constitutional clemency power to convert each death sentence to life without parole, which CBS Sacramento described as the most severe punishment he can impose through clemency.
“State-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values,” Newsom wrote, according to CalMatters. KQED quoted another passage: “I know we cannot execute people in our imperfect legal system and remain true to our core values.”
He also wrote that the decision is “among the most difficult of my career” and that “as Governor, I alone bear responsibility for this decision and its impact,” KQED reported.
Court Approval Still Needed
The state constitution requires California Supreme Court approval before a governor can grant clemency to someone convicted of more than one felony. KQED and the Marshall Project reported that this covers more than half of the people affected.
The Marshall Project said resentencing is therefore not guaranteed. CalMatters reported that for those cases, four of the seven justices must sign off. None of the outlets reviewed said when the court would act.
No Exceptions for the Most Serious Cases
According to the Marshall Project, Newsom chose not to exclude anyone because doing so would “inadvertently create two classes of murder victims.” KQED reported that some advisers urged him to exempt those convicted of the “worst of the worst” crimes, and that he declined.
CalMatters reported that Newsom said the commuted prisoners will not be eligible for new Board of Parole Hearings commutation and resentencing regulations.
Reaction
Prosecutors, victims’ groups and death penalty supporters sharply criticized the plan, CalMatters reported. Topo Padilla, president of Crime Victims United, said: “I don’t think he or any person should undo the sentence rendered by a jury.”
The Marshall Project reported that Marc Klaas, whose daughter Polly was murdered in 1993, criticized Newsom, while her sister Jess Nichol supported the decision. Natasha Minsker, an attorney who consults for anti-death-penalty groups, told KQED, “We are propping up the death penalty for the entire world.”
Newsom acknowledged the move may anger and hurt some victims’ families, KQED reported. He said he consulted survivors, families, public safety experts, community leaders, prison officials and jurors.
Background and Public Opinion
Newsom imposed an execution moratorium in 2019, shortly after taking office. California last carried out an execution in 2006, according to KQED and CBS Sacramento.
Voters rejected repealing the death penalty in 2012 and 2016, and in 2016 they narrowly approved Proposition 66, which aimed to speed up capital cases, CBS Sacramento reported. Nationally, Gallup found 52% support for the death penalty for murder in 2025, down from 80% in 1994, KQED reported.
CalMatters said the group represents more than a quarter of the nation’s condemned inmates. KQED said the Death Penalty Information Center calls it the largest act of mass clemency in U.S. history. The Marshall Project said that would hold if the state Supreme Court approves every commutation.
What Happens Next
Newsom’s term ends in January, and the Marshall Project said he is considering a 2028 presidential run. It also reported that incoming Gov. Xavier Becerra has said he would extend the moratorium, though a future governor could resume executions. Only a public vote can abolish the death penalty in California.
For more on the politics shaping the state and the nation, see our midterm elections coverage.
Watch: News Coverage of the Announcement
Video: “Gov. Newsom commutes all death sentences in California” (YouTube).
Sources
- CalMatters: Gavin Newsom seeks to clear death row, commutes sentences for hundreds of prisoners
- KQED: Newsom Moves to Empty California’s Death Row by Commuting 548 Sentences
- The Marshall Project: Newsom Issues Commutations for 548 Californians Facing Execution
- CBS Sacramento: California death row sentences to be commuted to life without parole