Democratic Governors Plan Trump Resistance While Eyeing 2028 Presidential Race
BEVERLY HILLS, California — In the wake of significant electoral setbacks, Democratic governors convened for a high-profile meeting at the Beverly Hilton over the weekend, officially to discuss strategies under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Unofficially, the gathering served as an early stage for the 2028 presidential primary.
With a star-studded guest list that included Governors Gavin Newsom (California), Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), and JB Pritzker (Illinois), the event attracted donors, strategists, and lobbyists eager to align with the party’s rising stars.
“This is the audition for the next president to a room full of donors, operatives, reporters, etc.,” said a Democratic adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Balancing Resistance with Collaboration
While many Democratic governors are preparing to resist Trump’s policies, others emphasize the need to collaborate where possible. For blue-state leaders like Newsom, Whitmer, and Pritzker, this involves threading a fine line between upholding progressive values and addressing the practical demands of governance.
“You come for my people, you come through me,” Pritzker said in a recent statement, signaling a strong stance against policies that threaten state autonomy.
Meanwhile, Newsom has called a special legislative session to prepare California for potential clashes with the Trump administration, continuing the state’s history as a leader in opposing Trump-era policies. Similarly, Washington Governor Jay Inslee highlighted prior successes in countering Trump’s initiatives. “We’ve already taken from the last rodeo considerable efforts to prevent him from abusing our state financially,” Inslee noted.
Eyes on the Future: The 2028 Presidential Race
Though Kansas Governor Laura Kelly downplayed speculation about 2028, the presence of high-profile governors suggested otherwise. “The day after every election is the beginning of the next one,” Inslee remarked, acknowledging the subtle jockeying for the next presidential contest.
Potential candidates are building their resumes through national leadership roles and state-level initiatives. Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis lead a bipartisan organization focused on protecting democratic institutions, a platform that could bolster their national appeal.
Challenges and Opportunities Under Trump
Democratic governors face the dual challenge of opposing policies perceived as threats while addressing the practicalities of governance under a Republican administration. Whitmer highlighted her intent to “find common ground everywhere I can” while maintaining her values.
Outgoing North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper stressed the importance of working with the federal government to address local needs, such as disaster recovery. “We will continue to do what we do, which is work with whoever we need to work with,” echoed Kelly, emphasizing pragmatism over partisanship.
Conclusion: A Strategic Crossroads for Democrats
As Democratic governors prepare for years of both resistance and cooperation, the Beverly Hills gathering underscores the party’s strategic recalibration. Balancing immediate governance challenges with long-term aspirations, including the 2028 race, will define the Democratic playbook in the Trump era.
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