Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Nov 5, 2026 that he will commute the death sentences of all 548 condemned inmates in California to life without parole, the culmination of a process begun with his 2019 moratorium on executions and coming as he openly explores a run for president. The move drew celebration from prison reform activists and intense disappointment among victims' families and prosecutors, while Governor-elect Xavier Becerra has committed to extending the moratorium.