From California to New York, Democratic governors gear up for Trump’s next term

Democratic governors have barely had time to process the crushing defeat inflicted on them by Donald Trump. With the clock ticking toward January 20, 2025 — the day the president-elect will take office and begin implementing his right-wing agenda — local leaders have sprung into action. Governors like Gavin Newsom of California, along with the governors of New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois, have started devising strategies to protect their states from the sweeping changes expected under Trump’s administration. These changes, which will rely on Republican control of both the Senate and the House, include plans for mass deportations and the dismantling of environmental regulations.

Newsom traveled to Washington on Monday for meetings with President Joe Biden and California lawmakers. The governor’s priorities include securing a $5.2 billion emergency fund, resources for the state’s health system, and assurances that California can continue implementing local climate change regulations. The state is awaiting approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for eight state-level regulations, one of which mandates that all new cars sold in California be zero-emission by 2035. On Monday, Trump appointed Lee Zeldin, a staunch advocate for environmental deregulation, to head the EPA.

As one of the most prominent Democratic figures and a vocal opponent of Trump, Newsom called for a special session of the state legislature in December. This session aims to secure additional resources to counter legal challenges from the incoming administration. During Trump’s first term, state authorities faced a barrage of lawsuits designed to dismantle progressive policies, and Newsom expects this trend to continue once he takes office. Additionally, Newsom is seeking further funding from Washington to address emergencies in California, particularly in light of Trump’s earlier attempts to cut aid to the state’s wildfire response.

Trump responded to Newsom’s efforts with a scathing post on Truth Social: “Governor Gavin Newscum is trying to KILL our Nation’s beautiful California. He is using the term ‘Trump-Proof’ as a way of stopping all of the GREAT things that can be done to ‘Make California Great Again.’”

Newsom is not the only Democratic leader preparing for the challenges ahead. Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, also voiced his concerns. “We know what’s coming down the pike. We know it because they told us,” he said, referring to the promises made by the Trump campaign.

Walz — who was Kamala Harris’ running mate — reflected on the Democrats failed campaign on Friday. At an event in a Minneapolis suburb, the president assured that his administration, which ends in 2027, will continue to defend the rights of women, immigrants, and union workers, particularly in states where abortion rights have already been codified into law, in anticipation of Republican efforts to curb reproductive freedom.

Other states, including New York and Massachusetts, have made similar commitments to protect fundamental rights. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James pledged to work together to safeguard “freedoms from any potential threats.” Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey vowed not to cooperate with the mass deportation plans that Tom Homan and Stephen Miller — two hardliners chosen by Trump to lead the effort — intend to implement from day one of his presidency.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a progressive figure, reassured Harris supporters: “No matter who is in the White House or who controls Congress, in California, we will keep moving forward.”

In Illinois, Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed concern for those most threatened by a Trump presidency. “There are many people whose lives and livelihoods are at risk, and there are many people who cried at the [election] result because they know what impact it may have on their families,” he said. “You come for my people, you come through me.” Pritzker’s rhetoric, though firm, was tempered compared to his campaign warnings about the racist, homophobic, and xenophobic behaviors associated with Trump’s rise to power.

Some Democrats have chosen a more cautious approach. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who is seen as a potential future Democratic contender, said: “Where we can find common ground, we will,” he said. “Not only as a matter of principle, but as a responsibility to the people who we represent.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who was on the short list for Kamala Harris’ vice-presidential pick, emphasized the need for governance despite the election outcome. “It’s time to govern again and work to get things done,” he said.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, while acknowledging the challenges ahead, wished the new Republican administration success.

Democrats continue to debate how best to present themselves as the opposition to Trump’s presidency. North Carolina Congressman Wiley Nickel even proposed adopting a “shadow cabinet” model, similar to that used in the U.K. This would involve Democratic “secretaries,” who would not only oppose the Trump administration but outline alternative policies and approaches.

“This shadow cabinet isn’t just about opposing extreme MAGA attacks on our government. It’s also about making clear what we stand for, which is something we didn’t do enough this election cycle,” Nickel wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post. While the proposal has been met with interest, it remains to be seen whether it will gain traction within the Democratic leadership.

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