Archive · 14 Dec 2025
Democratic Governors Use Trump Policies to Raise National Profiles
Some Democratic governors are using President Trump's policies to become more well-known across the country.
Governors like Gavin Newsom from California, JB Pritzker from Illinois, and Wes Moore from Maryland are doing things to show they disagree with Trump.
For example, Newsom passed a rule in California that might help Democrats win more seats in the next election.
Pritzker made a law to stop federal arrests in certain places in Illinois.
Moore gave back full food benefits to people in Maryland after a government shutdown.
These governors are also going to other states to speak at events and campaign for Democrats.
They hope this will help them become more famous and maybe run for president in 2028.
Trump has been making fun of them, but many Democrats like what these governors are doing.
Democratic governors are using Trump's policies to raise their national profiles and position themselves for a potential 2028 presidential run.
Gavin Newsom passed a ballot measure in California that may help Democrats win more congressional seats and gave a speech in Houston to raise his profile.
JB Pritzker signed legislation in Illinois to bar federal arrests at schools and courthouses and has been speaking at Democratic events in other states.
Wes Moore restored full SNAP benefits in Maryland and has been campaigning in swing states, framing his actions as a counter to Trump's policies.
Trump has been mocking these governors, but many Democrats are excited about their opposition to his policies.
- Who
- Democratic governors Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Wes Moore
- What
- Using Trump's policies to raise their national profiles and position themselves for a potential 2028 presidential run
- When
- Ongoing, with specific actions mentioned in the article
- Where
- United States, with specific mentions of California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, New Hampshire, Minnesota, South Carolina, Brazil, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, New York City
- Why
- To rally their party's base, sharpen contrasts with the White House, and build networks beyond their home states
- Governors Mentioned
- Gavin Newsom (California), JB Pritzker (Illinois), Wes Moore (Maryland), Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania), Andy Beshear (Kentucky)
- Trump's Policies
- Redistricting, immigration raids, federal spending cuts
- Newsom's Actions
- Ballot measure for congressional seats, speech in Houston, social media trolling of Trump
- Pritzker's Actions
- Legislation against federal arrests, speeches in New Hampshire and Minnesota
- Moore's Actions
- Restored SNAP benefits, campaigned in swing states, redrew Maryland's congressional map
- Democratic Response
- Relief and excitement, seen as a check on Trump
- Trump's Response
- Mocked Newsom, called Pritzker 'crazy' and 'big, fat slob', accused Moore of failing to control crime
- Poll Data
- 64% of Democrats have a favorable opinion of Newsom
