The Governor of California has announced commutations for all death row inmates in the state, reducing their sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, affirming that this action follows his personal conscience.
On Thursday, 5 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Gavin Newsom, California's Democratic Governor, announced commutations for all 548 death row inmates in the state, converting their sentences to life imprisonment without the right to appeal for parole.
Newsom stated that he used his constitutional pardon powers to commute all death sentences, emphasizing, “We can let these inmates quietly die in prison while still honoring and remembering the victims forever.”
“After nearly 30 years in public service, I have come to understand the limits of what government can justly do. I made this decision because I firmly believe that state-sanctioned killing conflicts with California’s values, undermines the foundation of our legal system, and diminishes the worth of all of us.”
“The state cannot morally justify killing them,” Newsom declared.
He acknowledged that this decision would cause anger and pain among some Californians and said it would “always be a scar on my conscience,” but as governor, he accepts sole responsibility for its consequences.
“As governor, I take full responsibility for this decision and its effects, just as I must bear responsibility for each execution carried out.”
“For these reasons, I must follow my conscience and exercise the constitutional authority granted to me to act for the welfare of California.”
California has historically had the largest death row population in the U.S., but no executions have been carried out since 2006, with only 13 executions occurring since the death penalty was reinstated in 1978.
This move comes as Newsom nears the end of his gubernatorial term, with Democrat Xavier Becerra expected to succeed him. Newsom is also considered a potential candidate for the 2028 U.S. presidential election.
Newsom's position sharply contrasts with President Donald Trump's administration, which strongly supports the death penalty and reinstated federal executions starting from the first day of his second presidential term in 2025.
“The death penalty is a necessary tool to deter and punish those who commit the most serious crimes, including those who violently take the lives of American citizens,” Trump said at the time.
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Source:bbc