Newsom commutes 548 death sentences in California ahead of leaving office
A decision before departure
Newsom’s action comes as he prepares to finish his eight-year tenure as governor. He imposed a moratorium on executions in 2019, while hundreds of people sentenced to death remained on death row.
Clemency rules and legal challenge
The California constitution requires approval from the state Supreme Court for clemency involving anyone convicted of multiple felonies. In 2016, voters rejected a ballot measure that would have repealed the state’s death penalty.
The American Civil Liberties Union welcomed Newsom’s announcement. The group is involved in an ongoing legal challenge, arguing that California’s death penalty law is racially discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Political profile and future plans
Newsom, California’s 40th governor, has frequently clashed with Donald Trump online, including through mocking posts on X. He has also been viewed as a possible Democratic presidential contender in 2028, and prediction markets had put his chances as high as 40 percent. Newsom endorsed Harris after former President Joe Biden left the 2024 presidential race.
Key points
- Newsom moved to commute all 548 death sentences in California before leaving office.
- He imposed an execution moratorium in 2019, but hundreds of people remained condemned.
- The ACLU applauded the announcement while pursuing a legal challenge to the state’s death penalty.
- Newsom has said he would not run for president if Kamala Harris runs again.