2026 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Crime

Andy Beshear: Prevent crime by ensuring inmates don't violate again

Making our communities safer is about more than just arresting criminals. It's about preventing crimes altogether. When a crime doesn't occur, there is no victim, no family left grieving. One way we prevent crime is working with our inmates to ensure that once released, they do not violate again. Last year, we did that, securing another record low recidivism rate. A good part of that is thanks to our efforts to provide second chances and real job opportunities. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature Jan 7, 2026

Kay Ivey: Impose death penalty for those who rape or sodomize a child

Last year, public safety was my number one priority. Together, we accomplished a great deal through my Safe Alabama package, but our work is never done when it comes to protecting our citizens. Representative Matt Simpson and Senator April Weaver will carry a bill to impose the death penalty for those who rape or sodomize a child. I was proud to quickly offer my full and total support. Ladies and gentlemen, I am urging you to pass this legislation so I can sign it into law. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature Jan 13, 2026

Brian Kemp: Don't demonize law enforcement, let them do their jobs

With the combined resources and personnel of multiple state public safety agencies partnering with local law enforcement, the CSU has found and arrested 1,340 wanted persons, helped to take dangerous drugs off our streets by arresting 557 traffickers and carriers, recovered 1,179 stolen vehicles, and apprehended 49 murder suspects. Here's a news flash to those who try to demonize law enforcement: this is what happens when you let them simply do their jobs! Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature Jan 15, 2026

Glenn Youngkin: Charge felony manslaughter for fentanyl-related deaths

Suzanne and I have met, prayed, and cried with families who have buried a child, a spouse, a sister or brother, or a parent because of this evil. And so we came together and launched a comprehensive fight against fentanyl. A fight we've taken to the frontlines by enhancing penalties and creating tougher new laws. Now drug dealers are on notice: if you push this poison and kill someone in the process, you will be held accountable, and you will be charged with felony manslaughter. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature Jan 14, 2026

Larry Rhoden: Proud to accept faith-based Prison Seminary Model

The Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force is hard at work. They've already recommended the Prison Seminary Model, and I was proud to accept that recommendation. This faith-based program will restore hope, build character, and strengthen our correctional system from the inside out. The task force has also advanced other recommendations, including tribal-focused rehabilitation opportunities. Thank you to the legislators on that task force--keep up the good work! Source: 2026 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature Jan 13, 2026

Mike Braun: Amend state constitution to allow for preventive detention

Last year, we increased penalties on repeat violent criminals and drug dealers. We have to make sure that when the most violent criminals are arrested, they aren't just turned back out on the streets. That's why I support bills by Senator Eric Koch and Senator Aaron Freeman to amend our constitution to allow for preventive detention. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Indiana legislature Jan 14, 2026

Mike Kehoe: Must pass legislation regarding the use of drones

I urge the General Assembly to continue modernizing the tools available to law enforcement. As incidents at home and abroad have demonstrated, drones can be purchased by anyone, anywhere, and can be equipped with explosives, contraband, and any manner of weaponry. The General Assembly must pass legislation, with an emergency clause, regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and law enforcement action. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature Jan 13, 2026

Ron DeSantis: We've enacted the death penalty for pedophiles

Our law enforcement personnel deserve our support--and they have received it. We have blocked jailbreak policies and ensured that our state and local law enforcement officers get the backing that they need. We've enacted the death penalty for pedophiles and treated the fentanyl dealers that have poisoned our people as the murderers that they are. We rejected the movement to defund the police, refuse to kowtow to rioting and looting, and have the strongest laws against retail theft in the nation. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Florida legislature Jan 13, 2026

The above quotations are from 2026 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for definitions & background information on Crime. Click here for other issues (main summary page). Click here for more quotes by Gavin Newson on Crime. Click here for more quotes by Kay Ivey on Crime.
*Candidates and political leaders on Crime:*
*Candidates for President & Vice-President:* V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA) Chase Oliver(L-GA) Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA) Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL) Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH) Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN) Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)	*2024 presidential primary contenders:* Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE) N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R) N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R) Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R) S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R) Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R) Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN) U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN) Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH) S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Mar 13, 2026