Democratic governors across the country are showing a willingness to defy the new Trump administration by vowing to protect freedoms in their states and engage in legal and political battles if the president-elect proceeds with controversial proposals. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared that the state is prepared to fight and even called a special session of the state Legislature after Trump’s election victory. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has promised to stand up for his people, while Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has pledged that her state’s law enforcement will not assist Trump if he moves forward with mass deportation plans.
These statements, made by some potential 2028 contenders, echo the tensions between big Democratic states and the White House during Trump’s first term. They also indicate that ambitious Democrats are ready to challenge Trump both at home and nationally in a prolonged campaign. With the likelihood of another four years of Trump in power, Democratic governors are expected to resist in every way possible, as Congress is likely to be controlled by Republicans, leaving the burden on the shoulders of Democratic governors, according to political science professor Jesse Rhodes.
The results of the governor races on Tuesday showed that both parties maintained control of their seats. Democratic governors had previously supported Vice President Harris’s presidential bid, with Newsom and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro being considered as potential running mates. Now, blue-state leaders are preparing for the transfer of power and gearing up to push back against a potential second Trump term.
During Trump’s first term, Democratic governors were some of his staunchest critics, particularly on issues such as the travel ban, pandemic response, and handling of protests in 2020. These governors, along with their state attorneys general, are expected to be a major point of opposition to the GOP as Trump moves forward with his plans for immigration, energy, and foreign policy.
Governors like Pritzker, Healey, and Murphy have all pledged to resist against Trump’s policies, with a focus on protecting citizens, residents, and democracy. Other governors, such as Kathy Hochul of New York, have formed task forces to address potential threats from a Trump administration in areas like reproductive rights, civil rights, and the environment. Washington state’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who also won his gubernatorial bid, has stated his office is prepared to defend the state’s freedoms as the White House changes hands.
In California, Governor Newsom has taken steps to protect progressive policies by calling for a special legislative session. Trump has responded to Newsom’s actions, accusing him of trying to harm California and stop potential progress. The relationship between blue-state governors and the incoming president is expected to result in significant battles in the years to come, with California possibly becoming ground zero for these conflicts due to its liberal reputation and Newsom’s national ambitions. Wes Moore (D) y otros – quienes han sido especulado como posibles contendientes en 2028. Estrategas de ambos lados del pasillo acordaron que resistir a Trump podría ayudar a dar a los gobernadores en ascenso una ventaja para el próximo ciclo. Pero el estratega republicano Ford O’Connell argumentó que los gobernadores están “tratando de usar a Trump como un contrapunto” para que puedan “pelear por el poder”, y afirmó que la resistencia a Trump no obtendrá mucho éxito con los votantes en 2028, cuando Trump no es elegible para postularse nuevamente. El estratega demócrata Hank Sheinkopf sonó las 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 potencial trifecta de los republicanos “aumenta las posibilidades 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 una declaración posterior a las elecciones que los gobernadores demócratas son “la última línea de defensa de nuestros derechos y valores”. “Mientras nos preparamos para la posibilidad de la misma ilegalidad y extremismo que Donald Trump prometió repetidamente llevar a la Casa Blanca nuevamente, los estadounidenses pueden mirar a los gobernadores demócratas para seguir defendiendo las libertades fundamentales y nuestra democracia”, dijo. Enlace de fuente.