Newsom seeks commutation of 548 California death sentences

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday in an open letter that he is commuting all 548 death sentences on California's death row to life without parole if the commutations are finalized. Of the 548 people, 529 are men and 19 are women. The commutations do not release anyone, overturn convictions, or create parole eligibility; restitution orders stay. California has the nation's largest death row. The move would be the largest mass commutation of death sentences in U.S. history and cancel about a quarter of death sentences nationwide. California has not executed anyone since January 2006. Newsom imposed a moratorium in 2019. In the letter, Newsom wrote that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values, undermines the legal system, and diminishes each of us. He said he alone bears responsibility and deeply respects those who disagree. ACLU executive director Anthony Romero applauded the move, saying the commutations reflect what justice demands: an end to a racist, error-prone, and inhumane punishment. Most outlets use the figure 548; the New York Post reported 561 death row inmates. Many cases with multiple felony convictions still need California Supreme Court approval, so not every sentence has already changed. Newsom is leaving office after eight years as governor.