California prosecutors challenge Newsom's death row commutations

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Nov. 5, 2026, a plan to commute the death sentences of all 548 inmates currently on the state's death row. The proposal, which would convert these sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole, marks the largest mass commutation of death sentences in U.S. history and affects 529 men and 19 women.

The California District Attorneys Association has formally opposed the move, arguing that the governor bypassed the legal process and the interests of victims' families. Jeannine M. Pacioni, president of the association and Monterey County district attorney, stated that the governor's decision disregarded the previous rulings of juries and judges. Greg Totten, the association's chief executive officer, added that the decision was made without providing families or prosecutors an opportunity to participate in the process.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer criticized the action, stating that it revictimizes those who have already navigated the state's justice system. Governor Newsom, who has long opposed the death penalty, defended the decision by citing his belief that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with the values of California and that the current system is a failure.

The implementation of this plan faces procedural requirements. Under the California Constitution, the state Supreme Court must review and approve commutations for inmates with more than one felony conviction, a group that includes approximately 382 of the 548 cases. Governor Newsom has requested that the court provide recommendations before his term ends in January 2027, while prosecutors have indicated they may pursue legal challenges regarding the scope of the governor's authority.