Wisconsin Democrats’ latest act of misplaced empathy revives commutations for convicted criminals, proving once again that the left’s compassion is for criminals, not victims
In a move that can easily be seen as blatant prioritization of criminals over law-abiding Wisconsinites, Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday he is restoring the state’s long-dormant commutations process — effectively opening the door to early releases for convicted felons serving time behind bars.
The Democratic governor signed two executive orders establishing a Commutation Advisory Board and a separate fast-track process for youth offenders sentenced to life in prison. Evers framed the decision as a step toward “building a safer, more just state” by offering “deserving folks a second chance,” including those still incarcerated. He pointed to his administration’s record of issuing more than 2,000 pardons — far more than any modern Wisconsin governor — and argued the state can no longer wait for the Republican-led Legislature to enact broader criminal justice reforms.
“Wisconsin cannot wait for criminal justice reforms,” Evers said in a video statement. “As our prison population continues to skyrocket, increasing costs to taxpayers… the Legislature must start working toward making long-term justice and corrections reforms a priority.” He added that commutations promote rehabilitation, encourage accountability, and save taxpayer dollars while keeping “dangerous individuals” locked up.
Under the new process, inmates must have served at least half their sentence (or 20 years of a life term), maintained good behavior with no violent misconduct in the past five years, and shown evidence of rehabilitation through programming, education, and work. Victims and prosecutors will be notified and given the opportunity to provide input. Certain serious crimes — including sexual assault, child abuse, and sex offenses — are excluded. A separate order targets juveniles, citing brain-development research and Supreme Court precedent against mandatory life sentences for minors.
The first Commutation Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for June, with Evers appointing his chief legal counsel as chair and a former Department of Corrections official as vice chair. Additional members from victims’ advocacy, law enforcement, and the judiciary are expected soon.
We’re sure someone in Tony’s administration thought it was poignant to choose Good Friday to highlight “second chances” for convicted criminals on the very day Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ after Pontius Pilate’s release of Barabbas, the notorious Jewish thief and insurrectionist. The biblical account has long been invoked as a cautionary tale of misplaced mercy and inverted justice.
Republican lawmakers and crime victims’ advocates expressed outrage, arguing Evers is once again putting the interests of offenders ahead of public safety and victims. With Wisconsin’s prison population straining resources and violent crime a persistent concern in cities like Milwaukee, critics say the governor’s focus on commutations sends the wrong message: that rehabilitation trumps accountability.
Evers has repeatedly clashed with Republicans over criminal justice, vetoing tougher sentencing measures and using his clemency power aggressively on pardons. Commutations, which actually shorten active prison terms rather than restore rights after sentences are fully served, had not been issued in Wisconsin since the administration of Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson more than two decades ago.
The governor’s office insists the process includes strict safeguards and will only benefit those who have genuinely turned their lives around. Yet with no legislative oversight and Evers in the final stretch of his term, skeptics worry the new board could become a rubber stamp for mass sentence reductions.
The executive orders take effect immediately. Applications for commutations will be accepted through the governor’s office, with the advisory board making non-binding recommendations.
