Press Release: Gov. Evers Becomes the First Governor Since Former Gov. Thompson to Grant Commutations 

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 11/13/2026 12:00 PM CST
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Becomes the First Governor Since Former Gov. Thompson to Grant Commutations 
After Wisconsin’s process for issuing commutations was reinstated earlier this year, the governor today announced the first commutations grants issued since the Thompson Administration 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today became the first Wisconsin governor since former Gov. Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin’s 42nd governor, to grant a commutation after signing two executive orders earlier this year, reinstating the state’s commutation process for the first time in decades. 

Gov. Evers has made history during his tenure through his use of constitutional executive clemency powers, granting over 2,443 official pardons so far—more than any other governor in Wisconsin state history. A pardon restores certain civil rights and offers forgiveness, and individuals are currently only eligible to receive a pardon from Gov. Evers after they have completed their entire sentence and have been “off paper” for at least five years. Individuals are also not currently eligible for a pardon if they are a registered sex offender or have any pending criminal cases or charges in any jurisdiction. More information about the current pardon process in Wisconsin is available on Gov. Evers’ website.

Unlike a pardon, a commutation may reduce a sentence an individual is currently serving; however, a formal grant of commutation does not necessarily mean the incarcerated individual will be released or have their sentence shortened. Commutations may, for example, make an individual eligible for supervised release earlier pending continued positive behavior, may consider factors such as age that evidence-based research indicates affect decision-making for youth offenders, or may make someone eligible for parole so they have a future opportunity to be considered for parole by a body of commissioners with criminal justice experience.

According to Executive Order #287, the granting of commutations “promotes rehabilitation by providing a system that rewards the positive efforts of incarcerated individuals who demonstrate personal growth and a commitment to change with the possibility of a second chance to contribute to society, become productive members of their communities, make amends, and improve their lives and those of the people around them.” Additionally, the order notes, “the granting of commutations can also encourage incarcerated individuals to be accountable, take responsibility, make amends, and seek forgiveness for their actions that have harmed other individuals and the community.” Additional information about the different types of executive clemency in Wisconsin is available in the attached PDF. A list of questions frequently asked regarding the commutations process is available on Gov. Evers’ website. More information about executive clemency powers and their use by past governors is available in a memo prepared by the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau.

The governor has received many applications for commutations. Importantly, just because an individual has applied for a commutation does not mean they are eligible under current commutations criteria. Further, just because an individual is eligible to apply does not necessarily mean they will be considered by this Board; just because an individual is considered by the Board does not mean they will be granted a commutation; and just because someone receives a commutation does not mean they will necessarily be released immediately. The governor’s Commutation Advisory Board, which is comprised of individuals who have extensive experience in law enforcement, criminal law, and victim advocacy to commutations review, is charged with reviewing and considering applicants and making a recommendation to the governor. In evaluating applications for commutations, under the governor’s directives in Executive Order #287, the board must consider: 
  • The impact of a commutation on victims, survivors, and community members; 
  • Whether a commutation is consistent with public safety and in the interests of justice; 
  • An applicant’s prison conduct record; and 
  • An applicant’s personal growth and development since conviction, including the completion of rehabilitative programs, treatment, education, and work history during their incarceration.

The governor today announced he has granted commutations to 14 individuals who were considered and recommended by the Governor’s Commutation Advisory Board. A total of twenty-four individuals were heard at public hearings conducted by the Commutation Advisory Board on Aug. 21, 2026, and Sept. 18, 2026. The remaining 10 individuals’ applications for commutations have been denied. While the Board and the governor congratulate those applicants for the positive strides they have made while incarcerated, they have not been granted a commutation by the governor at this time. Those individuals are: Aaron Smith, Natalie Murphy, Christopher Sutton (Smith), Demian McDermott, Lawrence Northern, Mistye Doughty, Efrain Campos, Richard Sulla, Richard Perekovich, and Yatau Her.

A list of the people for whom Gov. Evers granted commutations is attached.
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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