Bipartisanship Is Alive, and We Governors Are Proving It | Opinion

In a political era often defined by division, many Americans have stopped expecting their leaders to work together. But across the country, in statehouses and communities far from Washington, cooperation isn’t a relic of the past; it’s how governors get things done.

As the new chair and vice chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), we come from different parties, different regions, and different ideologies. But we stand united in one belief: governing isn’t about scoring points, but solving problems.

Founded more than a century ago, the NGA remains the only organization representing governors from all 55 states and territories—including Democrats, Republicans, and independents. It doesn’t write talking points or campaign ads. It doesn’t chase headlines or feed outrage. Its mission is not partisanship, but results.

That distinction matters more now than ever.

Governors are closest to the people. We’re responsible for budgets, schools, roads, disaster response, and public safety. We don’t have the luxury of ideological gridlock. We have to deliver every day. The NGA exists to help us do that by bringing leaders together around what unites us: responsibility, pragmatism, and shared purpose. In that spirit, NGA convenes about 100 times a year not only with governors and staff but also with members of Congress, Cabinet members, and other administration officials to engage on the most pressing issues confronting Americans.

We know that unity takes work. We also know it works. During the COVID-19 pandemic, governors collaborated through NGA to coordinate health responses and federal support. In recent years, NGA has helped states prepare for infrastructure investments, address the opioid crisis and expand broadband access. This doesn’t happen through political speeches, but through quiet coordination and real action. Most recently, NGA has facilitated some of the most effective conversations about permitting reform in our nation. Governors from both sides of the aisle recognize how necessary it is to have a streamlined, effective permitting process to ensure the U.S. continues to lead on the global stage.

That’s why the NGA operates by consensus. Some criticize that model. We call it a critical mission. It means that when we speak publicly, we speak as one. And when we disagree, we talk to each other.

This year, we’re launching a joint initiative focused on workforce transformation—building more pathways to careers in cutting-edge fields like energy, AI, and cybersecurity.

These are good-paying jobs that are critical for our future. But we hear from too many workers who can’t find jobs, and too many employers who can’t fill promising positions. It’s a matter of training, not talent. And college isn’t the only path. To build bridges between Americans seeking good jobs and employers eager to hire them, we’ve established Good Jobs Funds in our states. And we’re inviting other governors to do the same. Leveraging support from state, philanthropic, and federal programs, the Good Jobs initiative is designed to expand proven programs, strengthen employer partnerships, scale what works, and modernize our talent systems. We want to give everyone in our states an on-ramp to live their American Dream—however they define it.

This work isn’t red or blue; it’s critical for our future competitiveness and security. We’re also committed to helping all governors, regardless of party, access the tools and resources they need to serve their constituents effectively.

We don’t pretend to agree on everything. But the NGA proves that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dysfunction. That bipartisanship isn’t naïve, but necessary. And that cooperation, when done right, is a sign of strength, not weakness.

At a time when many Americans feel disillusioned by national politics, we offer this reminder: Governors still lead. Governors still listen. And governors still deliver results.

Governor Kevin Stitt is the Republican governor of Oklahoma and the 2025–2026 chair of the National Governors Association.

Governor Wes Moore is the Democratic governor of Maryland and the vice chair of the National Governors Association.

The views expressed in this article are the writers’ own.