The governor saved the lives of 548 death row inmates. Unprecedented decision in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the commutation of all 548 death sentences to life imprisonment without parole, citing moral opposition to the death penalty. This unprecedented decision, made two months before the end of his term, affects about a quarter of all death sentences in the U.S. California has not carried out executions for 20 years. However, the changes require approval from the state Supreme Court for about 70% of the cases. Newsom's decision may boost his popularity among liberal voters as he considers a presidential run in 2028, but it could also attract criticism from political opponents.