California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the commutation of death sentences for all 548 prisoners on the state's death row, which could reduce the national death-row population by about 27 percent. This action comes amid a growing divide in public opinion on the death penalty, with some states moving towards abolition while others, particularly in conservative areas, continue to enforce capital punishment. Recent polling shows a decline in support for the death penalty, reflecting changing attitudes among younger generations.
Key facts
- Governor Gavin Newsom commuted death sentences for 548 prisoners in California.
- This could reduce the national death-row population by 27 percent.
- California has not executed a prisoner since 2006.
- Support for the death penalty has dropped from 80 percent in the 1990s to 52-66 percent now.
- Texas, Florida, and Oklahoma account for 68 percent of U.S. executions in 2025.
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