Democratic governors in the United States are preparing to challenge the incoming president, Donald Trump, on his controversial conservative policies, with California Governor Gavin Newsom at the forefront.
CNN reported that Democratic governors and attorneys general in several states have begun building what is being referred to as "the resistance," as they speak out firmly and promise new laws and legal battles in their efforts to distance their states from the conservative policies expected to be implemented by elected President Donald Trump.
Trump has begun to respond to them, showcasing early signs of the legal, organizational, and political battles looming in 2025 and beyond.
California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom called for a special session of the state legislature later this year in an effort to protect progressive policies in the state regarding abortion rights and climate change from the incoming administration and the conservatives who have gained a majority in the Senate and are poised to retain control of the House of Representatives.
Newsom stated in a press release that the freedoms they cherish in California are under attack, and "we will not stand idly by."
Trump responded to Newsom in a post on Truth Social on Friday, claiming that he is trying to "destroy beautiful California." He added that the homelessness crisis and unemployment rates are out of control in the state, stating that he would demand changes to voting laws there to require voter ID and proof of citizenship.
CNN noted that Newsom is not the only Democratic governor preparing to confront Trump. In blue states—those governed by Democrats such as Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York—officials are already pledging to engage in legal and political battles against the incoming Trump administration over issues such as abortion rights, environmental regulations, gun control, immigration, and more.
These initial steps come as the Democratic Party enters a phase of "soul-searching" regarding how Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris and what the party's path forward will look like.
All of this is happening with thoughts already turning toward the 2028 presidential election. With a term-limited president and having lost control of the Senate, Democrats no longer have a clear national leader. Ambitious governors who declined to challenge Harris's rapid rise will not feel beholden to anyone in the next four years after Biden's withdrawal last July.
While the Democratic primary for the 2028 election will not begin now or anytime soon, a second Trump administration will provide Democratic officials opportunities to demonstrate their leadership as they position themselves for potential candidacies.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has stated he is preparing for potential Trump policies, has vowed to protect women traveling to Illinois for abortions and defend environmental regulatory measures. He also mentioned that the state would take legal action if necessary to block federal grant withholding from blue states that do not cooperate with Trump's immigration deportation efforts.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters that her state would not accept an agenda from Washington that deprives New Yorkers of rights they have long enjoyed. She informed State Attorney General Letitia James that she is not afraid of Trump and stated in a press release that she is ready to fight.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who declared a state of emergency 15 months ago due to an influx of migrants seeking shelter, said that state police would not assist in any deportation efforts desired by Trump.
On the other hand, some Democratic governors widely seen as potential presidential candidates for the upcoming elections have not immediately targeted the incoming Trump administration. Maryland Governor Wes Moore pointed out that his state, adjacent to Washington D.C., is deeply intertwined with the federal government, which is its largest employer. He added that they are prepared to respond to the new White House when necessary but will work together when they can find common ground.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who participated in Harris's campaign, stated in a press release on Wednesday that she hopes Trump will lead with an attempt to unify people, including those who did not vote for him or support him.