Governors Pritzker and Polis Lead Launch of Nonpartisan Governors’ Initiative to Fortify Essential Democratic Rights Nationwide

Nov 13, 2024 - As the nation faces increasing threats against American democracy - including the dangers of authoritarianism and the undermining of democratic institutions - governors will lead a new initiative, Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD), chaired by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. GSD is a historic nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to protect the state-level institutions of democracy, leveraging their unique legislative, budgetary, executive, and administrative powers to deliver results for the American people.

“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,” said Illinois Governor and GSD Co-Chair J.B. Pritzker. “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.”

"In this moment, protecting democracy has never been more relevant or important, and doing so demands strong leadership at the state level," said Colorado Governor and GSD Co-Chair Jared Polis. "Governors Safeguarding Democracy shows our shared dedication to defending the democratic principles upon which our country is built."

Grounded in the belief that saving and strengthening our democracy will require proactive and robust efforts at the state-level, GSD will:

- Leverage our 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; and

- Develop playbooks to enable Governors and their teams to anticipate and swiftly respond to emerging threats.

By supporting state leaders with tools, knowledge, and resources to protect and strengthen state democratic institutions, GSD seeks to ensure that American democracy remains vibrant, resilient, and responsive to the needs of its people.

GSD’s central aim is to fortify democratic institutions in the states and ensure the rule of law serves all people. 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.

For more on the Governors Safeguarding Democracy alliance, visit www.GovsforDemocracy.org.

About Governors Safeguarding Democracy

Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD) is a nonpartisan alliance of governors working together to uphold and fortify American democracy.

About Governors Action Alliance

Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonpartisan organization that champions fundamental freedoms. Visit www.GovActAlliance.org to learn more.