Newsom’s Last Stand on Death Row | Santa Barbara News

California’s death penalty is broken, with 546 men and 18 women still on death row after two decades of stalled executions. Governor Newsom faces mounting pressure to commute all sentences before leaving office — a move that could slash the national death row population by over a quarter. While President Biden commuted 37 sentences, Newsom’s case is more complex due to state law. Data reveals deep racial disparities: Black and Hispanic defendants are far more likely to face death, often depending on which district attorney handles their case. Despite a 2019 moratorium, over 200 people have been added to death row since 2006, as voters twice rejected abolition measures. A failed “speed-up” initiative drained $200 million annually and prolonged appeals. Newsom has championed reforms against bias and geographic inequity, but now must decide whether to take the bold step — potentially impacting his future political ambitions — or leave the system for his successor. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/4495f506083bf017