It Pays To Vote Blue: How Democratic Governors are Protecting Their Citizens in the Age of Trump
- Staff Writer
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
California’s Major Legal Wins
In just over six months since January 2025, California has mounted a remarkably effective legal defense against federal funding cuts under the second Trump administration.
A federal court blocked an attempt to freeze $168 billion in general federal aid to California — about one-third of the state’s budget. The judge ruled the administration’s action violated administrative law.
California also reclaimed $11.1 billion in previously frozen grants. These included funding for:
Public health programs
K-12 education and academic recovery
Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure
Transportation modernization
California led a successful legal coalition to block the clawback of over $200 million in COVID relief for school districts. The funds supported tutoring and learning loss mitigation.
Other Democratic Governors and Attorneys General Making Headway
In Colorado, as of late June 2025, most of the 33 lawsuits filed by AG Phil Weiser against federal policies have resulted in favorable rulings, pausing or permanently blocking executive actions construed as unlawful.
In Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro sued the Trump administration over a freeze of federally mandated funds, and, as of February 2025, all funds had been unfrozen and restored.
In Minnesota, AG Keith Ellison joined a multistate coalition to challenge public health spending cuts and restored $250 million for Minnesota alone.
In New Mexico, AG Raul Torres filed multiple suits and won victories restoring billions in funding.
In Illinois and coalition states, a federal judge ordered restoration of teacher-preparation grants.
In Connecticut, the state had $50 million in funds released by late July.
Multistate coalitions of Democratic attorneys general — led by California, New York, Illinois, and others — won injunctions restoring funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and general state aid that had been unlawfully zen.
These aren’t symbolic wins. Billions of dollars have been preserved or restored to programs supporting working families, public health, green energy, and education.
Beyond Lawsuits: Progressive Policies Still Standing
Democratic-led states have also taken steps to resist federal rollbacks outside the courtroom.
Reproductive rights protections have been fortified in states like California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts, where governors signed new laws, created legal defense funds, and ensured continued access to abortion care.
On immigration, blue states continue to maintain sanctuary policies and limit cooperation with federal enforcement, resisting threats of funding cuts.
Environmental policies remain strong in many states despite federal efforts to undermine them. States are advancing renewable energy mandates, EV programs, and local climate resilience projects using state funding and voter-approved bonds.
These efforts reinforce that state governments can act as a firewall for progressive values — even without court victories — through strong legislation, local investment, and executive action.
In an era where federal policy can shift dramatically overnight, states have become the first line of defense. Democratic-led states are not just resisting - they are winning. Billions of dollars have been recovered through legal action, and progressive policies remain in place thanks to bold governance, strategic litigation, and cross-state collaboration. These efforts are helping to preserve services, rights, and climate commitments that millions of Americans rely on.
Two states have gubernatorial elections this year — Virginia and New Jersey. To help us elect Democratic governors and protect the citizens of those states, click here.
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