1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

Democratic governors across the country are taking proactive steps to safeguard their states' policies and residents from potential federal actions under the incoming Trump administration. This includes California Governor Gavin Newsom calling a special legislative session focused on bolstering legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker vowed to make the state a "refuge" for those seeking abortion access or fleeing persecution based on gender identity or sexual orientation. New York is launching the "Empire State Freedom Initiative" to address threats to reproductive rights, immigration, civil rights, gun safety, climate progress and more. Oregon's leaders should follow suit to protect fundamental freedoms and progressive values at the state level from rollbacks or overreach by the federal government. Strong legal defenses and collaborative efforts across blue states are being mobilized to push back against policies viewed as regressive or discriminatory.