The Democratic governors gathered in Beverly Hills for a series of meetings with donors and advocacy groups to strategize a path forward under a Trump administration. While officially focused on the near-term goals of maintaining New Jersey and flipping Virginia in 2025, and the upcoming governors races in 2026, the event also served as a preview of the potential 2028 Democratic primary.
With a guest list filled with potential contenders, including Govs. Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear, Gretchen Whitmer, Tim Walz, JB Pritzker, and Roy Cooper, the event was abuzz with speculation about future leadership. Democratic governors are preparing to navigate the balance of opposing the incoming Republican trifecta in Washington while also finding opportunities for collaboration.
Some governors have already launched plans to “Trump-proof” their states, aiming to block certain policies and strengthen democratic institutions. Blue-state governors like Pritzker and Polis are leading efforts to protect against threats of autocracy, while governors like Newsom and Hochul are taking proactive measures to resist the incoming administration.
While the focus remains on the immediate tasks at hand, such as responding to natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, the event hinted at the underlying question of who might have the right formula for the next election cycle. While some governors, like Newsom, have expressed a willingness to work with the new administration, others, like Whitmer, are focused on finding common ground while staying true to their values.
As the Democratic governors continue to navigate the complex political landscape, they acknowledge the need to work with the federal government when necessary to benefit their states. While the jockeying for 2028 may be underway, the immediate focus remains on serving their constituents and working towards a successful future for their states.
