California governor commutes all death sentences to life imprisonment

Governor Gavin Newsom commuted every death sentence in California to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

This move affects 548 people and represents the largest mass commutation of death sentences in modern American history. Newsom stated in an open letter that the state authorized executions contradict California values and undermine the foundations of the legal system. Newsom reached this decision after months of lobbying from opponents of the death penalty and facing arguments from prosecutors and organizations representing victims.

The governor's action applies to a large portion of the national death row, as California holds the highest number of death sentences in the United States. The list of sentenced individuals includes high-profile cases, such as Richard Allen Davis and Cary Stayner. The commutation may lead to legal challenges and require judicial reviews by the state's highest court. This action follows a similar move by former President Joe Biden, who commuted nearly all federal death sentences in December 2024.

Newsom plans to leave office in approximately two months and may consider a run for president.