California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on November 5, 2026, that he will commute the death sentences of 548 inmates, effectively abolishing capital punishment in the state. This follows his previous moratorium on executions. Newsom described the capital punishment system as flawed and incompatible with California's values. The decision has sparked criticism from victims' rights advocates while receiving praise from anti-death penalty supporters.
Key facts
- Gavin Newsom announced commutation of 548 death sentences on November 5, 2026.
- All death sentences will be converted to life imprisonment without parole.
- California has not executed anyone since 2006.
- Newsom issued a moratorium on executions shortly after taking office in 2019.
- Victims' rights advocates criticized the decision, while anti-death penalty supporters praised it.
A short AI summary in our own words. The reporting belongs to Fox News — Latest; we don't reproduce it. You can compare how outlets framed this story below.