Democratic Governors Challenge National Governors Association Over State Sovereignty Concerns

The Democratic governors of California and Illinois are threatening to leave the National Governors Association (NGA) due to its silence on President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops across state lines without the consent of receiving states' leaders.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom articulated this concern in a letter addressing the nation's governors, questioning the purpose of the NGA if it cannot unite on fundamental principles of state sovereignty. He emphasized that the situation necessitates a bipartisan response.

The NGA, founded in 1908, serves to find common ground among governors and facilitate idea exchanges, while Democratic and Republican associations engage in more partisan activities.

Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, both seen as potential 2028 presidential candidates, argue that Trump’s troop deployments should alarm all governors. However, some Republican governors support the President's actions, leaving the NGA in a precarious position without a unified stance.

Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, who co-chairs the NGA’s emergency management task force, suggested that the organization may prefer to avoid controversial issues like federal involvement in state matters.

The discontent has led to several Democratic governors, including those from Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota, already departing from the NGA. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly voiced concerns about the value of the annual dues and called for the NGA to advocate against federal grant cancellations.

Concerns Over State Sovereignty

As divisions deepen, the NGA struggles to maintain a unified front, especially amid sweeping changes during Trump’s second term. The President has attempted to deploy National Guard troops to cities like Chicago and Portland to safeguard federal facilities, sparking lawsuits from state officials contesting these actions.

Both Newsom and Pritzker have underscored that these deployments go beyond mere policy disputes — they invoke state sovereignty issues that demand condemnation from the NGA. Pritzker highlighted that the integrity of governors hinges on their commitment to principles, irrespective of political administration.

In response to the increasing tension, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, chair of the NGA, suggested that the organization should refrain from commenting on contentious issues and leave them to the partisan associations.

Limited Bipartisanship

While the NGA promotes itself as a bipartisan entity, it often sidesteps contentious topics, focusing instead on areas of consensus such as disaster preparedness and workforce development. Recent calls by Stitt and Maryland Governor Wes Moore for bipartisan efforts regarding federal budgets illustrate the challenge in navigating divisive national policies.

Despite some support for local policing initiatives, opinions differ significantly when it comes to Trump's policies on immigration and crime. As this debate unfolds, the tension between state and federal authority remains at the forefront of American governance, raising questions about the future of the NGA and its ability to represent diverse political perspectives.