Gavin Newsom: “This will always weigh heavily on me.”

The people sentenced to death in California caused indescribable suffering to victims, their families, communities, and our state as a whole … many Californians feel that those who commit brutal crimes deserve to die. But as governor, I…

After nearly 30 years in public office, I have come to understand the limits of what government can justly accomplish.

Because the death penalty is inherently incompatible with our legal system's commitment to justice, I have determined that this clemency decision, while difficult in many respects, will ultimately affirm the strength and integrity of our…

Some have said I should not grant clemency to people who committed the worst of the worst crimes … I have learned, however, from speaking with the victims harmed by these crimes, that each experiences their loss as the worst of the worst.