Victims’ advocates will hold a press conference challenging Newsom’s blanket commutation of death sentences and detailing how they will push back

WHEN:
Thursday, November 12, 2026
1:00 p.m. PST

WHERE:
‍West Steps
State Capitol Grounds
Sacramento, CA

WHAT: Law enforcement leaders, advocates and elected officials will host a joint press conference challenging Governor Gavin Newsom’s mass commutation of death sentences and providing a platform for victims who were shut out of the process. For victims’ families who were promised that the most serious sentences would be final, these unilateral changes are devastating and open the door to future uncertainty.

The challenge comes amid growing concerns that California is disregarding the will of its voters, undermining the verdicts of juries and sentencing decisions of judges, and steadily dismantling the finality of its most serious criminal sentences.

WHO: Victims from across California who have suffered unimaginable losses along with representatives from the following organizations:

· Criminal Justice Legal Foundation

· Crime Victims United

· Peace Officers Research Association of California

· California District Attorneys Association

· Chief Probation Officers of California

· California State Sheriffs Association

WHY: Governor Newsom's decision to unilaterally commute all death sentences disregards the will of California voters, who have repeatedly reaffirmed their support for the death penalty at the ballot box. In 2012, voters rejected Proposition 34, which sought to abolish the death penalty. In 2016, voters again rejected abolition through Proposition 62 and instead approved Proposition 66 to reform and expedite the death penalty process. Newsom's sweeping action overrides these repeated decisions by California voters and undermines the verdicts of juries and the judgments of courts that carefully considered the evidence, the law, and the horrific crimes committed.

The victims who are directly impacted were not given a voice in the governor’s unliteral decision to override California’s justice system. The goal of this press conference is to provide a platform for them to be heard.

The commutations also come as California advances new regulations and repeated legislative attempts to reduce sentences for inmates serving life without the possibility of parole. Together, these developments raise serious concerns about the erosion of sentencing finality and the possibility that convicted murderers once sentenced to spend the remainder of their lives in prison could eventually pursue release.

VISUALS: Law enforcement leaders and victims' advocates speaking at the Capitol. Participants are expected to be available for interviews immediately following the press conference.