“See you in court.” Those words, uttered a year ago at the White House, captured the tension as the nation’s governors met with President Donald Trump. At that time, Maine’s Democratic governor was responding to the president’s threat to withhold federal funds for child nutrition due to her state’s defense of transgender athletes.
Eventually, the Trump administration and Maine reached a settlement, and funding was restored. This episode highlighted how the Democratic Party aimed to exert influence during the second Trump presidency: through its governors, rather than the Republican-controlled Congress.
On Thursday, as the National Governors Association convenes in Washington, prominent Democratic governors will be in the spotlight. Maine’s chief executive, Janet Mills, is currently running for the U.S. Senate, facing a primary challenge from an upstart populist. The primary winner will then contend with Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November – a race that could determine control of the Senate.
Several Democratic governors are being discussed as potential contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination, including Gavin Newsom of California, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, JB Pritzker of Illinois, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Wes Moore of Maryland. These governors have demonstrated an ability to challenge Mr. Trump at the state level, sometimes through legal action.
The Trump administration previously withdrew National Guard troops from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon, following resistance from governors, mayors, and protesters. Similarly, a drawdown of immigration enforcement personnel from Minneapolis occurred after opposition from Democratic politicians in Minnesota, including Gov. Tim Walz. Democratic governors, particularly in California, also countered the Trump administration’s efforts regarding congressional redistricting.
The dynamic between Mr. Trump and the governors at this week’s NGA meetings – including a breakfast gathering on Friday and a dinner on Saturday – could influence both parties’ presidential nomination battles. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma initially considered canceling the White House events due to the exclusion of Democratic governors.
Mr. Trump responded by stating the invitation was a “misunderstanding,” and that Democrats were invited with the exception of Governor Moore of Maryland and Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado. He also referred to Governor Stitt as a “RINO,” or “Republican In Name Only.” Mr. Trump has publicly criticized Governor Polis regarding the case of Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk convicted of breaching voting equipment security.
For potential 2028 candidates like Mr. Moore, a public disagreement with Mr. Trump could be advantageous. The two recently exchanged criticisms on social media regarding a sewage spill in the Potomac River, which Mr. Trump incorrectly blamed on the Maryland governor. Mr. Trump also criticized Mr. Moore’s handling of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore in 2024.
Historically, a governor has not frequently been elected directly to the presidency. The last governor to win a first term as president was George W. Bush in 2000, and the last Democratic governor to do so was Bill Clinton in 1992.
Governors “deal with the nuts and bolts of governing,” which can develop it difficult to gain broad public attention, according to Larry Sabato, a political analyst at the University of Virginia. But, the executive experience gained as a governor can be valuable for those seeking the nation’s highest office.
California’s Governor Newsom has emphasized his leadership of the most populous U.S. State and the world’s fourth-largest economy. He has also used social media to challenge the president and other Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance.
Mr. Newsom has hosted figures from the “MAGA” movement on his podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” including Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. Several Democratic governors are also publishing memoirs, including Josh Shapiro’s “Where We Retain the Light,” and Gavin Newsom’s “Young Man in a Hurry.” Governor Beshear has announced a book focused on his Christian faith, and Governor Moore has already published five books.
Current polls indicate that former Vice President Harris leads the Democratic presidential primary for 2028, though this is largely due to name recognition. Mr. Newsom typically comes in second. Other potential candidates include Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the initial tension between the Trump administration and Maine’s governor?
The tension stemmed from the president’s threat to withhold federal funds for child nutrition due to Maine’s defense of transgender athletes.
Which governors are being discussed as potential 2028 presidential candidates?
Gavin Newsom of California, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, JB Pritzker of Illinois, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Wes Moore of Maryland are among those being considered.
Has a governor recently been elected directly to the presidency?
No, the last governor to win a first term as president was George W. Bush in 2000.
Given the increasing prominence of governors in challenging federal policies, how might their executive experience shape the future of presidential campaigns?
