Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a progressive Democrat and former vice-presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris, is spearheading an effort among Democrats to pressure the National Governors Association (NGA) into confronting President Donald Trump more directly—threatening to withdraw from the organization if it doesn’t, The Atlantic reports.
According to the outlet, Walz and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly—who currently chairs the Democratic Governors Association—have both decided to withhold their NGA membership dues this month. Their move comes amid growing frustration that the NGA has been too passive in responding to what Democrats claim are Trump-era violations of states’ rights and constitutional overreach.
Dem Governors Revolt Over Trump-Era Flashpoints
Among the flashpoints cited are the temporary pause in federal fund disbursements by the Office of Management and Budget in January, clashes over transgender athletic policies involving Maine Gov. Janet Mills, and President Trump’s deployment of California’s National Guard to quell violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles.
Three additional unnamed sources told The Atlantic that the frustration is shared among other Democratic governors, though none have gone public. One source pointedly said, “When you’re paying dues with taxpayer dollars, it has to be worth it. And right now, it’s not.”
Another noted that internal complaints about the NGA’s effectiveness have “been ongoing for years” among Democratic offices.
NGA Pushes Back: “We’re Not a Political Arm”
Eric Wohlschlegel, communications director for the NGA, emphasized the group’s nonpartisan mission: “Our role is to bring governors from both parties together around shared priorities. Every public statement NGA issues reflects bipartisan consensus.”
He added that, in cases where no consensus is reached, “we simply don’t issue one,” as a way to preserve the group’s bipartisan identity—something the NGA says it won’t compromise.
A source familiar with the backlash blamed the current tension on internal Democratic divisions, campaign posturing, and attempts to politicize an institution that was never meant to serve short-term electoral strategies.
“There’s no official record of any governor raising allegations of misconduct or mismanagement,” the source added, noting that the NGA’s upcoming summer meeting in Colorado Springs is expected to have “record turnout,” including 13 Republican and 7 Democratic governors.
Democratic Governors Divided, Future Campaigns Loom
The source also suggested that several Democratic governors are using the NGA debate to test national messaging for future campaigns: “This isn’t about governance—this is about 2028. When your party can’t agree with itself, it’s easier to blame bipartisan institutions that don’t play politics.”
While Governors Walz and Kelly have yet to comment publicly on the controversy, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the outgoing NGA chair, reaffirmed his commitment to bipartisan cooperation. His spokesperson, Conor Cahill, told Fox News Digital that Polis was “honored to work across the aisle” and believes bipartisan forums like the NGA are more critical now than ever.
Incoming NGA chair, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, echoed that sentiment. His spokesperson, Abegail Cave, said, “People forget that the NGA is bipartisan, not political. Reaching consensus is hard—but governors are doing it every day.”
The Bigger Picture
Despite the growing political divide nationally, the NGA insists it remains committed to its original mission of quiet, collaborative leadership.
“In a time when division dominates headlines, NGA’s strength lies in finding common ground,” a source familiar with the situation said. “It’s not always about loud declarations, but about steady, principled cooperation.”
Quoting John Milton, they added, “‘They also serve who only stand and wait’—a reminder that patient, quiet leadership can still serve the common good.”
