Democratic governors have barely had time to process the crushing defeat inflicted on them Donald Trump. With the clock ticking toward January 20, 2025 — the day the president-elect takes office and begins implementing his right-wing agenda — local leaders have sprung into action. Governors such as Gavin Newsom of California, along with the governors of New York, Massachusetts and Illinois, have begun devising strategies to protect their states from sweeping changes expected under the Trump administration. These changes, which will rely on Republican control of both the Senate and the Houseincludes plans for mass deportations and dismantling of environmental regulations.

Newsom traveled to Washington on Monday for meetings with President Joe Biden and California lawmakers. The governor’s priorities include securing a $5.2 billion emergency fund, resources for the state’s health system and assurances that California can continue to implement local climate change regulations. The state is awaiting approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for eight state-level regulations, one of which requires all new cars sold in California to be zero-emissions by 2035. On Monday, Trump appointed Lee Zeldina staunch advocate of environmental deregulation, to lead the EPA.

As one of the most prominent Democratic figures and a vocal opponent of Trump, Newsom called a special session of the state legislature in December. This session aims to secure additional resources to counter legal challenges from the incoming administration. During Trump’s first term, government agencies faced a barrage of lawsuits designed to dismantle progressive policies, and Newsom expects that trend to continue when he takes office. In addition, Newsom is seeking additional funding from Washington to address emergencies in California, especially in light of Trump’s previous attempts to cut aid to the state’s response to wildfires.

Trump responded to Newsom’s efforts with a sting posts on Truth Social: “Governor Gavin Newscum is trying to KILL our nation’s beautiful California. He is using the term ‘Trump-Proof’ as a way to stop all the GREAT things that can be done to ‘Make California Great Again.’

Newsom is not the only Democratic leader preparing for the challenges ahead. Tim Waltzthe governor of Minnesota, also expressed his concerns. “We know what comes down the pike. We know because they told us,” he said, referring to Trump campaign promises.

Walz — who was Kamala Harris’ running mate — reflected on the Democrats’ failed campaign on Friday. At an event in suburban Minneapolis, the president assured that his administration, which ends in 2027, will continue to defend the rights of women, immigrants and union workers, especially in states where abortion rights have already been codified into law, pending Republican efforts to curb reproductive freedom.

Other states, including New York and Massachusetts, have made similar commitments to protect fundamental rights. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James pledged to work together to protect “freedom from potential threats.Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey vowed not to cooperate with the mass deportation plans that Tom Homan and Stephen Miller — two hard-liners chosen by Trump to lead the effort — intend to implement from day one of his presidency.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a progressive figure, reassured Harris supporters: “No matter who is in the White House or who controls Congress, in California we will continue to move forward.”

In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker expressed concern for those most threatened by a Trump presidency. “There are many people whose lives and livelihoods are at risk, and there are many people who cried at the (election) result because they know the impact it can have on their families,” he said. “You come for my people, you come through me.” Pritzker’s rhetoric, while firm, was muted compared to his campaign warnings about the racist, homophobic and xenophobic behavior associated with Trump’s rise to power.

Some Democrats have taken a more cautious approach. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, seen as a potential future Democratic challenger, said: “Where we can find common ground, we will,” he said. “Not just as a matter of principle, but as a responsibility to the people we represent.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was on the short list for Kamala Harris’ vice presidential run, stressed the need for governance despite the election results. “It’s time to govern again and work to get things done,” he said.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, while acknowledging the challenges ahead, wished the new Republican administration success.

Democrats continue to debate how best to present themselves as the opposition to Trump’s presidency. North Carolina Congressman Wiley Nickel even suggested adopting a “shadow cabinet” model, similar to that used in Britain. This would involve Democratic “secretaries,” who would not only oppose the Trump administration but outline alternative policies and approaches.

“This shadow cabinet isn’t just about opposing extreme MAGA attacks on our government. It’s also about clarifying what we stand for, which we didn’t do enough of this election cycle,” Nickel wrote in a op-ed for Washington Post. Although the proposal has been met with interest, it remains to be seen whether it will gain traction within the Democratic leadership.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition