Democrat governors are stirring the pot, threatening to ditch a century-old bipartisan group over its refusal to pick a fight with President Trump. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, once Kamala Harris’ running mate, and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly are leading the charge, claiming that the National Governors Association (NGA) isn’t doing enough to counter Trump’s policies. Their move to stop paying dues signals a deeper rift among Democrats craving political warfare over cooperation, as Fox News reports.
Walz and Kelly halted payment of their NGA dues in July, frustrated by the group’s neutral stance on Trump’s actions. Their decision, reported by The Atlantic, stems from specific grievances, including a brief pause in federal fund disbursements and Trump’s use of the California National Guard to quell anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. They argue the NGA should be a battleground, not a bridge, for state-federal clashes.
The NGA, founded in 1908, has long served as a bipartisan hub for America’s governors to collaborate on shared goals. Walz and Kelly’s rebellion, joined by murmurs from other unnamed Democrat governors, suggests a desire to turn this forum into a partisan weapon. It’s a bold gambit, but one that risks alienating the very unity the NGA has championed for decades.
An unnamed source griped to The Atlantic, “when you are also paying dues with taxpayer dollars, it has got to be worth it.” Worth it? Apparently, bipartisan handshakes don’t cut it when you’re itching for a political fistfight.
The same source whined that “there have been ongoing concerns about the NGA among the Democratic governors.” Ongoing concerns sound like a fancy way of saying some Democrats can’t stomach compromise when Trump’s in the crosshairs. The NGA’s commitment to consensus clearly grates on those hungry for headlines.
Eric Wohlschlegel, NGA’s communications director, fired back, saying the group “exists to bring governors from both parties together around shared priorities.” His words underscore the NGA’s mission to rise above the partisan fray. Walz and Kelly’s tantrum seems more about grandstanding than governance.
Wohlschlegel doubled down, noting, “Every public statement NGA issues reflects bipartisan consensus.” When governors don’t agree, the NGA stays silent, preserving its role as a neutral convener. That’s a feature, not a bug, unless your goal is to weaponize the platform.
A source familiar with the drama called it “Democratic infighting, unspoken campaign jockeying.” This suggests Walz and Kelly’s crusade might be less about principle and more about positioning for future political runs. Bipartisanship, it seems, is collateral damage in their quest for the spotlight.
The same source pointed out, “no governors are on the record expressing discontent with the NGA.” Anonymous grumbling doesn’t equal a mandate. It’s telling that Walz and Kelly’s public silence leaves their bold move looking more like a calculated whisper campaign.
The source added, “There’s an internal power struggle currently and no consensus among Democrats.” This paints a picture of a party divided, lashing out at a bipartisan institution because it can’t get its own house in order. The NGA’s steady approach suddenly looks like a sin to those chasing short-term wins.
Conor Cahill, spokesperson for outgoing NGA chair Jared Polis, emphasized that the governor “has been honored to lead the NGA and to work across the aisle.” Polis’ focus on education and resisting federal overreach shows the NGA’s value when governors prioritize results over rhetoric. Walz and Kelly might take notes.
Abegail Cave, spokesperson for incoming NGA chair Kevin Stitt, reminded everyone, “people seem to forget NGA is a bipartisan organization.” Her point cuts through the noise: the NGA isn’t a political battering ram, and it shouldn’t be. Stitt’s upcoming leadership aims to keep collaboration first.
Cave added that Stitt “looks forward to leading this organization and finding more areas of collaboration.” While Democrats bicker, Stitt’s focus on unity signals the NGA’s enduring strength. It’s a subtle jab at those trying to derail a proven institution.
A source familiar with the issue noted, “NGA’s strength lies in creating space for governors to listen, find common ground, and lead together.” The poetic nod to John Milton’s “They also serve who only stand and wait” is a classy reminder that quiet cooperation often outlasts loud posturing. Walz and Kelly’s exit threat feels petty by comparison.
The NGA’s summer meeting in Colorado Springs, expecting 13 Republican and seven Democratic governors, proves the group’s draw despite the drama. No allegations of misconduct or mismanagement taint the NGA’s record. For conservatives who value results over theatrics, Walz and Kelly’s stunt looks like a misstep in a time when unity is the real rebellion.
