Politics
California Governor Gavin Newsom Commutes All Death Sentences Ahead of Possible 2028 Presidential Bid
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday commuted the death sentences of all 548 people awaiting execution in the state, a move many see as his last major action before a potential resignation to run for the White House in 2028. The 59‑year‑old incumbent cannot run for office in 2026, as California’s constitution limits governors to two four‑year terms. Newsom, the governor of the United States’ most populous state, has a long history of clashes with former President Trump, including disputes over the federalization and deployment of the California National Guard, which the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled illegal. In June, Newsom accused Trump of directing the Justice Department to conduct a politically motivated investigation of him and his wife because he is considering a presidential run. In 2025, Newsom was widely viewed as one of the frontrunners for the Democratic Party’s 2028 nomination. He has visited early presidential nominating states such as Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina. According to Federal Election Commission data, his political action committee holds almost $7 million. In September, he told CNN that he would not run if former Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race. If Newsom decides to enter the race, he would join a crowded field of Democratic hopefuls energized by the 2026 midterm election results. On Polymarket, Newsom is placed third, below Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, with prediction markets giving him an 11% chance to win the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Ossoff, who won a second term in the 2026 midterms, is now widely seen as the frontrunner for the nomination, despite stating in October that he had “zero interest” in running for president. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez is close behind with a 17% probability against Ossoff’s 26%. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear hinted in a September interview that he might run in 2028, saying, “I just won’t leave a broken country to my kids or to our future generations.” According to Reuters, Beshear has more than $2 million in his political action committee and has appeared at events in early nominating states, including Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who also had several high‑profile run‑ins with Trump in 2025, has not ruled out a presidential run, saying his focus remains on what is best for the people of Illinois and electing Democrats. Another Democratic governor who could join the race is Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, who in October launched a federal political action committee to raise money for Democratic candidates and potentially support his future presidential campaign.