Democratic governors are showing their readiness to oppose the new Trump administration, pledging to protect freedoms in their states and to engage in legal and political battles if the president-elect moves forward with controversial proposals. California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has stated that the state is prepared to fight and has called a special session of the state Legislature after Trump’s victory. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D) has promised to stand up for his people, saying “if you come for my people, you come through me.” In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey (D) has assured that her state’s law enforcement will not assist the Trump administration in carrying out mass deportation plans.
These statements, some coming from potential 2028 contenders, echo the conflicts between big Democratic states and the White House during Trump’s first term. They also indicate a prolonged campaign as ambitious Democrats highlight their willingness to confront Trump both at home and nationwide. With the likelihood of another four years of Trump in power, Democrats are expected to resist and obstruct his policies whenever possible, especially with Congress likely under Republican control, placing the responsibility on Democratic governors.
Governor races have largely maintained the status quo, with both parties retaining control of their seats in the recent elections. Democratic governors had united around Vice President Harris’s presidential bid, with names like Newsom and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) being considered as potential running mates. The leaders of critical swing states like Shapiro, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D), and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) had campaigned alongside Harris.
Now, blue-state leaders are preparing to push back against a potential second Trump term. During Trump’s first four years in office, Democratic governors had been some of his staunchest opponents, particularly on issues like the travel ban from Muslim countries, pandemic response, and handling of protests in 2020. Democratic-led states and their attorneys general are poised to be a significant source of opposition to the GOP under Trump’s leadership.
Governors like Pritzker, Healey, and Murphy have vowed to resist policies they deem contrary to their values, promising to use all available tools to protect their citizens and states. With the White House, Senate, and possibly the House under Republican control, the role of governors has been emphasized as crucial in defending democracy and the rule of law against potential threats from the Trump administration. Newsom and other blue-state governors are taking proactive steps to safeguard their states from any policy changes that may arise under Trump’s leadership.
The relationship between blue-state governors and the incoming president is expected to lead to significant clashes in the coming years, with California potentially becoming a focal point of this battle. Newsom, in particular, is seen as a key player in this dynamic, given his national profile and perceived ambitions. As tensions between blue states and the federal government intensify, the role of governors in defending their states’ interests and values will be paramount. Wes Moore (D) y otros – quienes han sido especulados como posibles contendientes para el 2028. Los estrategas de ambos lados del pasillo estuvieron de acuerdo en que resistir a Trump podría ayudar a darles una ventaja a los gobernadores estrella en ascenso para el próximo ciclo. Pero el estratega republicano Ford O’Connell argumentó que los gobernadores están “tratando de usar a Trump como un contrapeso” para poder “pelear por el poder”, y sostuvo que la resistencia a Trump no ganará mucho terreno con los votantes para el 2028, cuando Trump no será elegible para postularse nuevamente. El estratega demócrata Hank Sheinkopf lanzó alarmas de que el presidente electo podría intentar reprimir a los estados cuyos líderes se oponen a él. “Este es un juego peligroso para los gobernadores jugar”, dijo, agregando que la posible trifecta republicana “aumenta las probabilidades de castigo”. Pero también “aumenta la importancia de lo que están haciendo los gobernadores”, dijo Sheinkopf. Meghan Meehan-Draper, directora ejecutiva de la Asociación de Gobernadores Demócratas, dijo en un comunicado postelectoral que los gobernadores demócratas son “la última línea de defensa para nuestros derechos y valores”. “Mientras nos preparamos para la potencial repetición de la misma ilegalidad y extremismo que Donald Trump prometió traer a la Casa Blanca de nuevo, los estadounidenses pueden recurrir a los gobernadores demócratas para seguir defendiendo las libertades fundamentales y nuestra democracia”, dijo. Enlace de la fuente