US Executions Rise in 2025-26 Despite Falling Death Sentences
The US saw 47 executions in 2025, highest since 2009, and 24 in 2026 so far.
Why it matters: Tracking the rise in executions helps legal professionals understand shifts in capital punishment enforcement, reflecting broader social and political debates.
- 47 executions carried out in the US in 2025, the highest annual total since 2009.
- 24 executions occurred across six states from Jan to Sept 2026, with Florida leading at 14.
- Florida executed two inmates within hours on July 15, 2026, a first in over 60 years.
- New death sentences dropped to 25 in 2025, with public support at a historic low of 52%.
- Approximately 2,004 inmates remain on death row in early 2026.
The United States is experiencing a notable increase in executions. In 2025, there were 47 executions nationwide, the highest annual number since 2009, according to Axios. This upward trend continued into 2026, with 24 executions recorded in the first eight months across six states, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
Florida has emerged as the leader in executions in 2026, conducting 14 executions as of September 1. On July 15, Florida executed two inmates within hours of each other — an unprecedented event in over six decades (Axios report).
Despite the rise in executions, the number of new death sentences declined sharply, with only 25 death sentences handed down in 2025, compared to hundreds in previous decades. This decline coincides with diminishing public support, which fell to 52% in 2025, the lowest level since polling began in 1972.
As of early 2026, about 2,004 inmates remain on death row nationally (World Data).
The contrasting trends have fueled debate among officials. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated, "I no longer believe the death penalty is a deterrent to murder," while Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost countered that the state's moratorium makes "a mockery of the justice system" and fails victims by not carrying out death sentences (DeWine on abolition, Yost on moratorium).
By the numbers:
- 47 executions — total US executions in 2025, highest since 2009
- 24 executions — US executions across six states in first eight months of 2026
- 25 new death sentences — handed down US-wide in 2025, sharply lower than prior decades
Yes, but: While executions are increasing, the number of new death sentences continues to decline, reflecting mixed momentum on capital punishment.