(The Center Square) – Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is spearheading a new initiative called Governors Safeguarding Democracy alongside Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
GSD brands itself as a nonpartisan initiative of governors who will work together to protect democracy at the state level, according to a news release from Polis.
The announcement comes as the nation’s electoral count reflects a marked step in President-Elect Donald Trump’s direction. Both Colorado and Illinois voted in higher numbers for Republicans than the states did in the 2020 presidential election. GSD’s announcement doesn’t mention Trump.
The release doesn’t indicate other governors who have joined the group.
GSD said it was founded “As the nation faces increasing threats against American democracy – including the dangers of authoritarianism and the undermining of democratic institutions,” according to the release.
The initiative comes about one week after former President Donald Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
“At this critical moment in our history, we must unite to protect the foundations of our democracy and ensure our institutions withstand threats and persevere in their mission to improve the lives of our people,” Pritzker said in the release. “Governors Safeguarding Democracy will serve as a powerful force in state-level efforts to ensure that our democracy lives up to our ideals and thrives for generations to come.”
Polis expressed a similar sentiment.
“In this moment, protecting democracy has never been more relevant or important, and doing so demands strong leadership at the state level,” Polis said in the release. “Governors Safeguarding Democracy shows our shared dedication to defending the democratic principles upon which our country is built.”
GSD lists its plans:
Leverage collective strength, experience, and institutional knowledge to design and implement affirmative strategies to protect the rule of law and deliver for people in the states;Reinforce key state institutions to protect executive agencies, elections, state courts, and other core democratic bodies; andDevelop playbooks to enable governors and their teams to anticipate and swiftly respond to emerging threats.
GSD wants to provide state officials with the necessary materials and knowledge to “strengthen state democratic institutions,” the release said. GSD also wants to make sure American democracy responds to the needs of the people, according to the release.
“GSD’s central aim is to fortify democratic institutions in the states and ensure the rule of law serves all people,” the release said. “Through governor-led efforts and the support of a network of senior staff designated by each governor, GSD will foster cross-state collaboration, including the sharing of essential tools, knowledge, and resources.”
“Supported by GovAct, a nonpartisan organization championing fundamental freedoms, GSD will collaborate with think tanks, legal experts, and democracy advocates to help tackle the unique challenges facing American democracy today,” the release added.
One can find additional information about the Governors Safeguarding Democracy alliance by visiting GovsforDemocracy.org.
