California Governor Gavin Newsom Commutes All Death Sentences

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a blanket commutation of all death sentences on Thursday, saying the practice conflicts with the state’s values. In an open letter to voters, he described the decision as one of the most difficult of his career and noted that California has not carried out an execution since 2006. The action would affect 548 inmates currently on death row, the largest such population in the Western Hemisphere, according to Department of Corrections records.

Amnesty International USA Executive Director Nadia Daar praised the move, calling it a historic moment for human-rights advocacy. The Death Penalty Information Center also highlighted the significance, noting that no other governor has granted clemency on this scale.

The commutation still requires approval from the California Supreme Court. Critics, including families of victims and the San Luis Obispo County district attorney, argued the decision undermines the judgments of juries and voters.

"I take this action because I firmly believe that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values," Newsom wrote.

"Governor Newsom just told the families of Rachel Newhouse, Aundria Crawford, Kesha Gurke and every other innocent victim of California’s 548 condemned killers that the killers’ lives matter more," San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow said.

"This is a day that will be remembered in California’s history and resonate globally for years to come," Amnesty International USA Executive Director Nadia Daar said.

The decision arrives two days after the midterm elections and has sparked debate over its timing and impact on the criminal-justice system.