state governors

Dozens of Tennessee medical professionals have written to Governor Bill Lee urging that healthcare workers should never take part in executions, regardless of the method. The appeal follows a botched lethal injection in the state in May, which renewed scrutiny of how Tennessee carries out the death penalty. The medical professionals argue that participating in executions violates the ethical obligations of medicine, and they want the governor to commit to keeping clinicians out of the process.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Kern County as a powerful El Niño-driven storm approaches the region. The proclamation is intended to speed up emergency response and free up resources for Bakersfield and surrounding communities. Local outlets in Bakersfield are reporting heavily on the declaration, with residents closely watching forecasts for flooding, high winds and possible evacuation orders.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine says the state will hold prediction-market operator Kalshi accountable for operating illegally, following a court ruling. The announcement signals a regulatory crackdown on the platform's activity in Ohio, and the case is being closely watched as part of broader disputes over whether event-contract trading platforms fall under state gambling laws.

Attention is on the São Paulo governor's race after remarks suggesting allies of President Lula already view the state as decided in the first round. CNN Brasil reports that figures from the Workers' Party admit the contest may be settled early, while Lula is expected to mobilize supporters in the state. The comments are fueling debate over the campaign's direction and the opposition's position.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation creating a label for foods that are not ultra-processed, part of a broader package of health bills that his office describes as advancing the state's nation-leading healthcare strategy. The move makes California the first US state to adopt such a labeling standard, and comes as lawmakers and health advocates nationwide push for greater transparency around ultra-processed foods and their links to chronic disease.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation strengthening the state's laws on mentally disordered offenders. The measure changes how offenders with mental disorders are handled after commitment, and it is being welcomed by prosecutors including the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, which highlighted the signing. Supporters say the law closes gaps in public safety and treatment oversight for this group of offenders.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey's plan to create a state Military Hall of Fame is drawing legal scrutiny, with questions raised over whether the proposal can proceed under state law. The plan, intended to honor West Virginia veterans, faces review over its legal basis before it can move forward, and debate is underway over how the hall of fame should be established and funded.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have provided support for immigration attorneys working in rural parts of the state. The measure aimed to expand legal representation for immigrants in underserved areas. The veto is likely to draw criticism from immigrant advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers who backed the legislation.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation aimed at curbing the actions of federal immigration agents in the state, as the Trump administration intensifies its deportation campaign. The measures add California to a growing list of states pushing back against federal immigration enforcement, setting up further clashes between state and federal authorities.

Candidates running for governor of South Dakota have clashed in debate over data centers, education funding and economic development, according to reporting from South Dakota Searchlight. The exchanges highlight differing visions for how the state should grow its economy and support public schools heading into the election.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill banning the use of shock gloves, part of a package of new legislation aimed at restricting immigration enforcement practices in the state. The measures position California in direct opposition to federal immigration crackdowns, and the move is drawing attention as other states weigh similar limits on enforcement tactics.

Attention is turning to which US states will hold trifecta control — one party holding the governorship and both legislative chambers — after the 2026 elections. Gubernatorial and state legislative races that year will determine party control in dozens of state capitals, shaping policy on budgets, redistricting and social issues heading into the next presidential cycle.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has approved $40 million in tax incentives for a life science company, a package state officials say will support the creation of 1,600 jobs. The award is part of the state's ongoing effort to keep and grow its biotechnology and life sciences sector, one of Massachusetts' key industries. Details on the company's identity and expansion site were included in the announcement.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that state Finance Director Bill Poole will depart the role and named Doryan Carlton to lead the Alabama Department of Finance. The change affects the office that oversees state budgeting and spending. Details about Poole's departure and Carlton's plans for the department were not included in the announcement.

New York political figures Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul are set to appear together on the campaign trail in the final stretch before Election Day. The joint appearances come as Mamdani's mayoral campaign looks to consolidate support from establishment Democrats, while Hochul weighs the electoral implications of standing alongside him in New York.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced expanded free access to state parks, cited record conservation progress, and signed legislation protecting the state's coastline and wildlife. The move is framed as a direct counter to the Trump administration's push to open or reduce federal public lands. It positions California as a leading defender of conservation policy amid federal-state clashes over land use.

Mississippi's governor has set a special election to fill a state senate seat following a sitting state senator's retirement. The move triggers a contested race for the vacant legislative seat, though details on the timing, the senator's district, and the reasons for the retirement were not specified in the announcement.

Oklahoma Watch is examining the claim that Oklahoma ranked No. 17 in education under a Democratic governor during the 2000s. The fact-check looks at whether the state's education rankings from that era support the figure, a question relevant to current debates over school funding and performance under Republican leadership.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation aimed at advancing climate action and protecting the environment. The signing advances the state's environmental agenda, though details of the specific measures were not immediately available. The move is being reported by regional outlets covering New York state government and its climate policy efforts.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a package of bills aimed at limiting the impact of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts. The measures are designed to shield state operations and residents from federal immigration actions, positioning California in direct opposition to Washington's hardline policies. The move is likely to fuel ongoing political conflict between the state and the federal government over immigration.

California has moved to bar public officials from issuing memecoins, the joke- and trend-based cryptocurrencies that have repeatedly burned retail investors. The governor's office cited reports that roughly one million investors lost money in such schemes, framing the ban as an ethics measure to stop officials profiting from speculative tokens while in office.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill toured areas hit by a nor'easter to assess storm damage across the state. The storm brought coastal flooding and strong winds to the region, and officials are evaluating the impact as cleanup begins. Residents are watching for updates on damage assessments and any state response measures following the weather event.

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State, is running for governor, campaigning on lowering everyday costs, strengthening public schools and protecting democratic institutions. Democrats Abroad is encouraging Michiganders living overseas to take part, noting that absentee ballots for the election begin reaching voters abroad on September 19 and directing them to request ballots through VoteFromAbroad.org.

A survey gathered by Governor Wes Moore's office found Maryland business leaders are expanding their use of artificial intelligence rather than cutting jobs, contrary to widespread expectations that AI adoption would lead to layoffs. The findings, reported by the Maryland Daily Record, suggest companies in the state are treating AI as a tool for growth, and the results are drawing attention as policymakers weigh AI's impact on the workforce.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation aimed at restricting immigration enforcement activities in the state. The measures are part of an ongoing effort by California's Democratic leadership to push back against federal immigration policy. The specific provisions of the bills and reactions from officials and advocacy groups are not yet detailed, but the move is expected to intensify the standoff between the state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation aimed at restricting the actions of federal immigration agents in the state, as the Trump administration intensifies its deportation campaign. The measures are part of a growing standoff between Democratic-led states and the White House over immigration enforcement, with Newsom positioning California as a leading opponent of the federal crackdown.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 1250, a bill by Senator Dave Cortese aimed at improving road safety while protecting wildlife. The measure is expected to support measures that reduce vehicle collisions with animals and make roads safer for drivers. Further details of the bill's provisions and implementation have not yet been widely reported.

Democrats are at a significant financial disadvantage in Georgia's closely contested race for governor, according to NBC News. The spending gap comes despite the contest being considered one of the most competitive gubernatorial races in the country, raising concerns within the party about its ability to compete in a key Southern battleground state.