The facts
Newsom’s office said on 5 November that he plans to commute all 548 death sentences in California to life without parole. [1][2]
AP reported that 382 proposed commutations require approval from the California Supreme Court, according to Newsom’s office. [2]
The Los Angeles Times reported on the planned commutations and the state’s death-row population; the announcement is not a completed commutation order. [3]
Still unconfirmed
- The timing and final scope of the commutations, including the California Supreme Court’s review of 382 cases, are not yet known.
Sources
References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 6 Nov 2026, 18:42 UTC.
- Governor Newsom Releases Letter to California on the Death Penalty
Office of Governor Gavin Newsom · Primary source · 5 Nov 2026
Opened the governor’s announcement and public letter stating the planned commutations.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom says he will commute all of California’s death sentences
The Associated Press · Reporting · 5 Nov 2026
Opened AP’s report with the 548 total and the 382 cases requiring court approval.
- Newsom plans to commute California death sentences
Los Angeles Times · Reporting · 5 Nov 2026
Opened independent California reporting on the planned clemency action.