Sparring with southern Republican politicians on X, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said California has a lower homicide rate than Alabama, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Credible statistics show that Newsom is generally right.

Our ruling

Newsom said California has lower homicide rates than Alabama, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Data for 2022 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which criminologists consider a reliable source, show that California has a lower homicide rate than Alabama, Arkansas and Oklahoma, and roughly in the proportions that Newsom said.

Data from 2023 collected by the FBI generally mirrors the CDC data.

Looking at violent crime more broadly — a category that includes rape, aggravated assault and robbery in addition to homicide — California fares less well, notching rates higher than either Oklahoma and Alabama.

The statement is accurate but needs additional information, so we rate the statement Mostly True.