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A report from mainstream media outlets shows that progressive governor and failed vice presidential candidate Tim Waltz is leading a democratic effort to transform one of the nation’s most influential bipartisan groups against President Donald Trump.
Waltz, a one-time running buddy of Minnesota governor and former vice president Kamala Harris, has threatened to withdraw from the bipartisan National Governors Association (NGA) over concerns that are not enough to oppose Trump, according to the Atlantic.
The Atlantic reported that two unknown people are “very familiar with the governor’s thinking,” at least two Democrat governors, Gov. Laura Kelly, the head of the Democratic Governors Association, have chosen to stop paying NGA dues this month.
The two governors will not renew their organization’s membership due to complaints about their inaction over the Trump administration’s perceived violation of state rights.
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Waltz, a one-time running buddy of former vice president Kamala Harris, Minnesota governor and former vice president, has threatened to withdraw from the bipartisan National Governors’ Association, fearing that it’s not enough to resist Trump, according to the Atlantic. (Getty Images)
The concerns raised included a clash with Democrat government Janet Mills against transgender athletes, a management and budget office that temporarily suspends federal fund payments in January, as well as the deployment of the California State Guard to help Trump respond to anti-ice riots in Los Angeles.
The outlet reported three other unnamed sources that Walz and Kelly were not alone, and that other Democratic governor’s offices are similarly unhappy with the NGA.
One unknown source said, “When you’re also paying dues in taxpayer dollars, it needs to be worth it and they’ll have to demonstrate it. Now, they’re not,” the outlet reported.
The source also alleged that “for years there have been continued concerns about the NGA between the Democratic governor and staff.”
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The Atlantic reported that two unnamed people shared that two Democrat governors “who are familiar with the governor’s thinking,” Gov. Laura Kelly, head of the Democratic Governor’s Association, have chosen to stop paying NGA dues this month. (Aldrago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The NGA has been a forum for bipartisan collaboration between the governors since 1908. The organization lists all 50 governors and five U.S. territory leaders as members.
NGA Communications Director Eric Walshlegel told Fox News Digital that the group “is there to connect the parties around sharing priorities.”
In a Walz-led controversy, Wohlschlegel said the NGA’s “mission has not changed.”
“All issues of NGA reflect a bipartisan consensus,” he said. “So far, every statement except one has that consensus. If the governor doesn’t agree, we simply won’t issue one. That’s how we maintain our role as a bipartisan convener.
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Sources familiar with the situation condemned the controversy over “democratic internal conflict, jockeys of implicit campaigns, and several anonymous voices seeking to reshape nonpartisan institutions into political institutions.”
The source noted that despite all the noise about the controversy, the NGA’s summer meeting in Colorado Springs this weekend is expected to have a “recorded vote” attended by 13 Republicans and seven Democratic leaders.
They also said, “No governors expressing their dissatisfaction with the NGA are listed on the records. No allegations of fraud, failure to governance or mismanagement have been filed.”
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will join the home chamber of commerce for a state speech at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, Kansas on January 10, 2024 (Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Emily Culiel/Getty Images)
Added the “What’s Behind the Noise?” source. “There is currently an internal power struggle, and there is no consensus among Democrats on how to lead in a divided environment, send a message, or govern.
“Some Democratic governors are testing the messages of future campaigns and attracting public attention rather than helping with consensus governance,” the source added. “The NGA’s bipartisan model is working as expected.
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“When the party doesn’t agree with itself, it’s easier to take shots in a bipartisan institution that doesn’t fulfill its short-term political goals.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the office of resigning NGA chair Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and the appearing Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt for comments on Walz Mutiny.
Though he has not addressed the controversy directly, Police spokesman Conor Cahill said the governor of Fox News Digital is “respected” as he leads NGAs, works across the aisles with governors on education, allowing reforms, confronts federal efforts, gaining the National Guard at the heart of the National Guard and increasing the priorities of the state.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt speaks as Colorado Governor Jared Police listens in the NGA in Washington (Fox News/Charlie Creitz)
He added: “In this age of polarization, bipartisan organizations are needed more than ever, and NGAs must continue to show value to all governors and effectively communicate the governor’s views on various issues with the people and the federal government.”
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Sitt spokesman Abegail Cave, who is scheduled to become NGA chair this weekend, told Fox News Digital “It seems like people are forgetting that they are bipartisan organizations, not political organizations.”
“It’s hard to come to a bipartisan consensus, but governors from across the political spectrum tackle the real challenges that Americans face every day,” Cave said.
She said Stitt “looks forward to leading this organization and finding more collaboration areas next year.”
Fox News Digital also contacted Walz and Kelly’s offices, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Peter Pinedo is a political writer for Fox News Digital.
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