NY Governor Kathy Hochul pardoned 19 formerly incarcerated individuals, but faced criticism from criminal justice advocates for not commuting the sentences of anyone currently incarcerated, especially women in honor of Mother’s Day. The governor’s office highlighted the use of an independent advisory panel to analyze applications and select candidates demonstrating remorse and rehabilitation. As of May 2026, the state’s prison system houses 34,066 inmates, and prison reformers are raising alarms about increasing deaths within state prison facilities.
By JOHAN SHERIDAN / WWLP-22NEWS
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Governor Kathy Hochul pardoned 19 formerly incarcerated New Yorkers on Friday, continuing her process of issuing clemency on a rolling basis. But she faced backlash from criminal justice advocates who want more early releases.
The governor’s office announced that the 19 pardoned had lived crime-free for long periods of time—over 20 years, in several cases. In her clemency announcement, Hochul said she uses an independent advisory panel to analyze applications and select candidates demonstrating remorse and rehabilitation.