From Mother Jones · Sophie Hurwitz · · 50s
Newsom Commutes 548 Death Row Sentences
California Gov. Gavin Newsom commutes 548 death row sentences to life without parole, ending the largest death row in the Western Hemisphere.
In brief
California Gov. Gavin Newsom commutes 548 death row sentences to life without parole, ending the largest death row in the Western Hemisphere. California Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted 548 death row sentences to life without parole, citing state-sanctioned killing as incompatible with California's values. Originally…
Newsom's Final Action
California Gov. Gavin Newsom commutes 548 death row sentences to life without parole, ending the largest death row in the Western Hemisphere.
“State-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values.”
California's Death Row Status
California has not executed anyone since 2006, when Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger was governor.
Newsom's Rationale
After nearly 30 years in public office, Newsom believes state-sanctioned killing undermines legal foundations and diminishes human dignity.
“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.”
Current Death Penalty Context
The U.S. executed 33 people in 2026, with only 17 countries carrying out executions in 2025.
The big picture
California Gov. Gavin Newsom commuted 548 death row sentences to life without parole, citing state-sanctioned killing as incompatible with California's values.
