Let’s play a game. What affects your quality of life more?
I think I know what you chose. Now ask yourself which elected officials have the most influence over all those everyday realities? The answer is simple: Governors shape the policies behind all of it. They set the priorities that determine whether abstract political concepts become tangible public benefits. They appoint agency leaders whose decisions shape our everyday lives, from the water that comes out of our taps to the care kids receive when they need help. They fill judicial vacancies and oversee commissions that operate below the public radar but shape entire industries. And they set the moral tone of the state. In other words: if you want to know what your state values, don’t look to Congress. Look to your governor.
The First Line of Defense Against Federal ChaosDuring my recent conversation on At Our Table with Dr. Amy Acton, she said something that stuck with me: “The rubber meets the road at our statehouses.” She wasn’t wrong. In fact, statehouses—and the governors who lead them—have never mattered more. We are living through a period where federal policy can swing wildly with each administration. One minute you have protections in health care or education, and the next minute those protections are gutted. One president expands programs, and the next president tears them down. What’s supposed to be predictable becomes whiplash. Governors are the buffer. Federal decisions don’t happen in a vacuum. They land on the desks of governors who have to absorb the fallout. Cuts to health care mean real families lose real care. SNAP instability means kids show up to school hungry. Confusion about vaccines means local doctors drown in misinformation. Governors are forced to negotiate with everyone—from county health departments to federal agencies—in ways presidents never have to. Where Washington hesitates, good governors act. Leadership in the Hardest MomentsIf you want to see a leader’s character, don’t look at their stump speech. Look at what they do when everything is falling apart. During COVID, governors from both parties were thrust into the center of chaos. Some rose to the moment with transparency and courage. They were securing PPE, opening surge hospitals, and figuring out how to keep food distribution running. Dr. Acton reminded me of something powerful: leadership in crisis isn’t about knowing every answer. It’s about telling people the truth, even when the truth is uncomfortable. It’s about making decisions rooted in science and compassion, not ideology or pressure. It’s about standing in the gap for people who are scared, confused, or grieving. Governors do that. Not because it’s politically convenient, but because people’s lives depend on it. We shouldn’t wait for another crisis to appreciate that kind of leadership. Voice on Rights and FreedomsIn the last decade, America has seen some of the most sweeping changes to personal freedoms—not in Congress, but in state capitols.
These aren’t abstract policy debates. They determine whether families feel safe, seen, and supported where they live. A governor’s signature—or veto pen—can open doors or slam them shut. And voters are paying attention. Just look at the latest elections in Virginia and New Jersey. Two new Democratic governors won because voters understood something essential: when it comes to the people who actually shape their daily lives, Democratic values are American values. They are Virginia values, New Jersey values, and the values of any state that wants fairness, safety, opportunity, and dignity for working families. These victories weren’t flukes. They were a reminder that voters know who’s fighting for their real lives. People don’t have time for the culture wars and power struggles in Washington because there are tangible battles at home. Building the FutureGovernors don’t just respond to emergencies. They lay the foundation for what a state can become. When a state creates a thriving tech corridor or revitalizes a rural economy, it isn’t magic. It’s vision. It’s long-term planning. It’s investment. A governor makes decisions today that alter the trajectory of a state for decades. The highways our kids will drive on, the industries they’ll work in, the air they’ll breathe, the water they’ll drink—all of it is shaped in a governor’s office long before anyone sees the results. When a governor chooses to invest in a transit corridor or a research university, it doesn’t make headlines. But ten years later, that decision determines whether young people stay or leave, whether new industries take root, and whether small towns shrink or start to grow again. This isn’t theoretical. It’s the blueprint for the future our kids will inherit. Governors aren’t just managing today. They’re building the future we all have to live in. Democracy Is Still LocalWe love to talk about democracy like it’s a national sport, played in Washington by people with microphones and pollsters. But democracy is still, at its core, a local craft. It lives—or dies—in our states. Governors safeguard voting rights and fair elections and serve as the ultimate stewards of checks and balances. They are the ones who determine whether state government works for people or becomes a playground for special interests. What we often call “polarization” is really the result of decades of state-level neglect. Statehouses became black boxes. People stopped paying attention. The loudest actors filled the silence. And slowly, our democracy became more fragile. But the elections in Virginia and New Jersey show something else: voters can still tell the difference between leaders who want government to work and power-grabbers who want government to break. Democracy strengthens when governors model competence, compassion, and clarity. If we want a healthier, more resilient democracy, we need governors who see the value of public service—and the humanity of the people they serve. The work of democracy isn’t abstract. It’s about children getting fed. Families staying healthy. Workers being protected. Schools being funded. Communities being safe. Neighbors being heard. Futures being built. Governors shape all of that. And when we choose a governor, we choose the future we want—whether we realize it or not. So let’s pay attention. Let’s stay engaged. In 2026, 36 states and three territories will elect new governors. If we want a government that reflects our best values, it starts by choosing leaders who truly understand where we live. You’re currently a free subscriber to Jaime’s Table. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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Sunday, November 30, 2025
Why Governors Matter More Than Ever
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