California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Friday calling for new DNA testing in the case of Kevin Cooper, a death row inmate whose conviction could be a key debate point in the 2020 presidential election. Newsom’s actions come in response to a clemency application from Cooper, whose defense says the long-requested tests could prove his innocence in the 1983 killing of four people in Chino Hills, California.

Associated Press Cooper's case has been a lightning rod issue for decades.

“I take no position regarding Mr. Cooper’s guilt or innocence at this time,” Newsom wrote in his order. “Especially in cases where the government seeks to impose the ultimate punishment of death, I need to be satisfied that all relevant evidence is carefully and fairly examined.” For years, Cooper’s defense team has raised credible evidence that sheriff’s deputies framed him for the crime. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, who has reported extensively on Cooper’s case, has also concluded that that is the most likely explanation. He praised Newsom’s announcement as an “excellent” development.

Excellent news! Cal Gov @GavinNewsom will issue an exec order this morning ordering full DNA testing of evidence in case of Kevin Cooper, who is on death row but who I believe was framed by sheriff's deputies. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/fZi2P3rOCd — Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) February 22, 2019