State Governors Seek Unity Amid Political Tensions in Washington

Governors from both parties gathered in Washington this week for their annual conference, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation despite political divisions. Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt are leading efforts to maintain civility between state leaders.

WASHINGTON — A scene of political cooperation unfolded in the nation’s capital this week that has become increasingly uncommon in today’s polarized environment.

Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Democratic Maryland Governor Wes Moore appeared together on stage, exchanging friendly banter and praise rather than the heated rhetoric that typically dominates political discourse. The two leaders represent the National Governors Association, among the few remaining bipartisan organizations in American politics.

The association is conducting its yearly gathering this week, though maintaining its reputation as a haven from political division may prove challenging. President Trump has departed from longstanding protocol by choosing not to extend invitations to all governors for the customary White House reception and dinner.

Trump has publicly criticized Stitt, who serves as the NGA’s chairman, labeling him a “RINO” (Republican in name only). The president has also continued his disputes with Moore, the organization’s vice chairman, holding him responsible for a sewage incident involving a federally overseen pipeline.

This departure from established customs mirrors Trump’s overall strategy for his second presidency. He has adopted an adversarial position toward certain states, threatening to withhold federal funding or deploy military personnel despite local officials’ opposition.

As the Republican-led Congress appears reluctant to check Trump’s authority, numerous governors are positioning themselves as a balance against White House power.

“Presidents aren’t supposed to do this stuff,” remarked Utah Governor Spencer Cox regarding the growth of executive authority in recent years. “Congress needs to get their act together. And stop performing for TikTok and actually start doing stuff. That’s the flaw we’re dealing with right now.”

Cox, also a Republican, stated that “it is up to the states to hold the line.”

Moore shared similar views during his conversation with The Associated Press.

“People are paying attention to how governors are moving, because I think governors have a unique way to move in this moment that other people just don’t,” he explained.

Despite these challenges, governors maintained a positive outlook during Wednesday’s discussions and interviews. Stitt described the conference as “bigger than one dinner at the White House.” Moore anticipated “this is going to be a very productive three days for the governors.”

“Here’s a Republican and Democrat governor from different states that literally agree on probably 80% of the things. And the things we disagree on we can have honest conversations on,” Stitt commented while seated next to Moore.

Disputes over White House event invitations highlighted the week’s uncertainties. During the ongoing disagreement, Trump clashed with Stitt and declared that Moore and Colorado Governor Jared Polis were excluded because they “are not worthy of being there.”

Whether the cooperative spirit demonstrated Wednesday evening will persist throughout the conference and beyond remains uncertain.

“We can have disagreements. In business, I always want people around me arguing with me and pushing me because that’s where the best ideas come from,” Stitt noted. “We need to all have these exchange of ideas.”