Pritzker, Polis to lead state-level group aimed at safeguarding democracy

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) announced on Wednesday a nonpartisan state-level initiative to foster collaboration with fellow governors to protect against threats to democracy and strengthen government institutions.

The nonpartisan coalition of governors, Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD), will “leverage the collective strength, experience, and institutional knowledge in governors’ offices across the country to craft laws and policies that protect the rule of law and serve the people of our great states,” according to the group’s website.

Pritzker and Polis, who will serve as co-chairs of the new alliance, launched GSD one week after the election, which saw President-elect Trump secure his return to the White House.

The announcement did not mention any politician or political group by name but said the launch comes “as the nation faces increasing threats against American democracy – including the dangers of authoritarianism and the undermining of democratic institutions.”

The governors nodded to the timing of the launch in statements included in the press release.

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

Pritzker said: “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.”

“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,” Pritzker added.

GSD, according to its website, will work across state lines to develop “playbooks” for governors to “anticipate and swiftly respond to emerging threats” to democracy. The group will also “design affirmative strategies to protect the rule of law in the states,” and it will “reinforce key state institutions” to protect democratic bodies, including executive agencies, elections and state courts, the website said.

The coalition said it will work with think tanks, legal experts and democracy advocates to craft policies and will share resources and tools with governors’ offices across the country.

“Together, we are pushing back against the ever-increasing threats of autocracy and protecting the systems of democracy our country and our states depend on,” the website said.

GSD did not respond immediately to inquiries about which governors are part of the coalition or about the timing of the announcement.