Reports indicate that two well-known Democrats are withdrawing from a national nonpartisan group that unites the top leaders of all 50 states. They mention that there has been insufficient resistance to policies from the Trump administration, as well as concerns over recent threats to state funding and operations.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who leads the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), is set to depart from the National Governors Association (NGA) by the end of the month, according to a source close to her, as reported by ABC News.
She will deliberately distance herself from the organization, not merely by ceasing to pay fees but also by disengaging from supporting or participating in any activities related to the NGA, according to the source.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who previously served as the DGA chair, is also ending his relationship with the NGA and will cease paying membership fees to the group next year as he “reconsiders” his involvement, according to another source who spoke with ABC News.
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Two governors are stepping down at a moment when the association seems to be involved in fewer bipartisan efforts and is less vocal in supporting states as they deal with uncertainty regarding certain policies from the Trump administration and recent reductions in federal funding by Congress, according to a second source, who noted this as a shift from the group’s previous focus on promoting local concerns.
The NGA is “not meeting the core part of its mission statement,” according to a source familiar with Kelly’s views, while Congress and the Trump administration are “undermining approach-focused governance.”
What the NGA says
The National Governors Association is a nonpartisan group that unites the country’s governors to address state and local matters and to communicate with the federal administration. Each year, the leadership of the group switches between Democratic and Republican representatives. The current chairperson is Democratic Governor Jared Polis from Colorado.
When questioned about Walz and Kelly’s exit, an NGA representative named Eric Wohlschlegel stated that the group “remains confident in the continued involvement of governors nationwide, noting increased participation at recent gatherings and cross-party collaboration on all significant efforts.”
The second source indicated that certain governors and their teams experience frustration, believing the group has not sufficiently challenged Trump administration policies that significantly affect their states.
That source stated there is “a surprising absence of willingness to address states’ rights and federal overreach. Silence on the issue that all governors should concur on.”
The source stated: “There are numerous methods through which governors collaborate in a bipartisan manner, and this is currently too costly for taxpayers relative to the benefits received.”
Kelly would be “open” to remaining within the organization if it resumes focusing on bipartisan, community-based issues, according to a person who is aware of her perspective.
MORE: Kansas governor once again vetoes legislation restricting care for transgender youth
Kelly, head of the Democratic governors’ association, is not urging her colleagues to adopt her approach in exiting the NGA.
What other governors say
Democratic Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, the new vice-chair of the NGA, told ABC News on Friday that he considers Kelly and Walz as friends. He mentioned he has heard comparable complaints about the group and finds them entirely reasonable.
“I’ve definitely heard it. And I believe much of the frustration… is valid, since I don’t think this organization has truly acted with urgency on some of these issues that were necessary,” said Moore, who added that the group’s silence onTrump’s open conflict with Maine Governor Janet Millscan never and should never be allowed again.
A source familiar with Kelly’s views also mentioned that the group remained silent when Congresspassed a recissions packageearlier this month, which removed a significant portion of essential federal funding that Kansas depends on, as well as the group’s lack of response whenTrump sent the National Guard to Los Angeles.in reply to the demonstrations concerning immigration enforcement. The National Guard is usually approved by state governors.
Nevertheless, Moore stated he feels the NGA offers worth by maintaining a direct connection to bipartisan cooperation, and that the “merit of this group is something worth defending.”
“I understand the frustration that some of my colleagues experience, and I also believe we have a duty to actively work on resolving and addressing it,” said Moore.
Moore stated that he thinks Walz and Kelly might return to the group once he assumes control and focuses on enhancing the leadership.
“I believe they are also aware that I understand their concerns, and I intend to tackle those issues,” said Moore.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a member of the Republican party, will soon take on the role of NGA chair.
He mentioned that although he is friends with Walz and Kelly, he believes their choice to step back is not the correct one.
I don’t believe you should take your ball and leave,” Stitt said to reporters on Saturday. “Collaborating for the benefit of all 50 states in our nation, and our individual states, is challenging and complicated, and we should be able to discuss what the proper policy should be. But let’s not walk away. Let’s stay here and focus on what’s best for America.
New Jersey’s Democratic Governor, Phil Murphy, who led the NGA during 2022-2023, mentioned to ABC early Saturday that he was unaware of the Democrats’ concerns until recently. Although he greatly admires both Kelly and Walz, Murphy stated that he disagrees with the choice to step away from the organization.
I have respect for their choices. I simply don’t share their viewpoint,” he stated. “I believe the NGA is a highly beneficial organization. Does that mean everyone we’ll hear from today will be invited to my home for dinner? Absolutely not. However, the reality is that we unite for a shared purpose to seek mutual understanding. I think it performs this task very well. Is it flawless? No, and it’s also a deeply personal reason for me, as it allows you to step into someone else’s perspective and hear various viewpoints.
Murphy added, “It doesn’t matter if I’m seated next to a Republican governor or a Democratic governor, we’re there, as they put it, to seek common ground, to learn about one another. I believe that holds significant worth.”
