Gov. Newsom Faces Growing Pressure to End Death Penalty in California
California’s death penalty system has long been a hot-button issue, and now the clock is ticking louder for Governor Gavin Newsom. Although he still has about a year and a half left in office, activists and advocates are already rallying hard for him to commute all existing death sentences in the state. The urgency is building, and the movement wants Newsom to make a bold, definitive move.
Here’s the deal: California currently has 585 people sitting on death row. Over the years, Newsom has been very vocal about his opposition to capital punishment. He calls it a “failure” — highlighting how the system is riddled with racial and economic discrimination, and offers no real public safety benefits or deterrence value. This isn’t just talk. In 2019, he took the historic step of placing a moratorium on executions and scrapped the lethal injection protocol. Then in 2022, he shook things up again by shutting down the infamous death row at San Quentin Prison, relocating inmates to 20 other state facilities.
But why the sudden surge in calls for commutation now? Well, activists warn that the moratorium isn’t permanent. "At any moment, it could be lifted," said Lisa Holder, President of the Equal Justice Society, a nonprofit focused on legal and policy reform. She paints a stark picture: for those on death row, life is “a living death.” Without a permanent fix, those inmates remain stuck in limbo — and that’s exactly what advocates want to end.
What’s holding things back? More than 60% of those on death row have additional felony convictions, meaning any commutation would need the State Supreme Court’s green light — a legal hurdle that makes timing crucial. Supporters argue that acting sooner rather than later would allow Newsom to solidify his legacy as a champion for justice reform.
This kind of action isn’t without precedent. Former President Joe Biden commuted most federal death row sentences before leaving office. Governors in Oregon and Colorado have also made similar moves in recent years, signaling a broader national trend away from capital punishment.
Outside the state Capitol on a recent Thursday morning, dozens of advocates gathered to voice their support for the move. The call is clear: make the death penalty a thing of the past in California, once and for all.
The governor’s office hasn’t commented yet on these renewed demands.
Riverside County Assembly Seat Race Heats Up
Switching gears from the death penalty debate to politics closer to home: a special election is underway to fill the California Assembly seat vacated by Bill Essayli. The former Assemblyman was appointed U.S. Attorney for California’s Central District earlier this year, leaving a contested seat in western Riverside County up for grabs.
As of the latest unofficial results, Republican Natasha Johnson leads the pack with 46% of the vote, edging out Democrat Chris Shoults, who holds 43%. Two other candidates round out the primary with minor shares. The final decision will come down to the August 26 general election.
Johnson, a seasoned city councilmember from Lake Elsinore since 2012 and former mayor, has the backing of several key Republican figures including Essayli himself, Rep. Ken Calvert, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. She’s banking on strong GOP turnout and promises to be a “commonsense Republican voice in Sacramento.”
On the other side, Shoults, a teacher and union leader, is pushing for change. With endorsements from labor unions and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Shoults claims voters want “real solutions, not partisan extremism and chaos.” He’s focused on affordability, education investment, responsible community development, and neighborhood safety.
Interestingly, Shoults ran for the same seat last year but lost to Essayli by a significant margin. This time around, the race feels much tighter.
Essayli’s tenure in the Legislature was marked by efforts to stir debate around culture war issues, often clashing with the Democratic super-majority. Since becoming U.S. Attorney, he has continued to be a thorn in the side of state leadership, especially around immigration enforcement and laws involving transgender girls competing in sports.
Spelling Bee Drama in Washington
On a lighter note, Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Roseville) recently found himself on the hot seat at the National Press Club’s annual Press & Politicians Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
Kiley was tripped up by the word “koji” — not a common word unless you’re a foodie or a mold expert. For the curious, koji is a type of mold used in fermenting foods like soy sauce, sake, and miso. Kiley spelled it “k-o-j-e” instead of “k-o-j-i” and was out.
The winner of the bee was Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), who narrowly beat Jessica Mendoza, a Wall Street Journal podcast host. The final showdown included words like “caryatid” and “espalier.” The bee is more than just fun and games—it raises funds for the National Press Club Journalism Institute, supporting press freedom, training, and scholarships.
Interestingly, this tradition dates back over a century, with the very first event held in 1913 where even President Woodrow Wilson was in attendance.
Quote of the Day
“As a doctor, I know this puts women’s health at serious risk. It allows states to strip millions of women of access to the lifesaving care Planned Parenthood provides and denies them the right to choose their own doctor. This is unacceptable. Healthcare decisions should be made by patients, not by politicians or judges.”
— U.S. Rep. Ami Bera, Sacramento Democrat and physician, reacting to the Supreme Court ruling allowing funding cuts to Planned Parenthood.
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Why This Matters
California’s debate over the death penalty is a microcosm of a larger national conversation about justice, fairness, and how society punishes crime. With 585 people waiting on death row — many with additional felony convictions — the pressure on Governor Newsom is mounting. Activists see an opportunity to push for lasting reform and a clear break from the death penalty.
Meanwhile, politics in Riverside County is sharpening, with two strong candidates fighting for a key Assembly seat, symbolizing larger partisan battles in the state. And even in the halls of Washington, moments like a spelling bee remind us that politics isn’t always just serious business — sometimes it’s about having a little fun while raising money for good causes.
Stay tuned as these stories develop, because California’s political and social landscape is evolving fast.
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