Democrats Launch States Forum to Strengthen Party Influence Through State Governments

At a private dinner on Tuesday evening, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro urged Democrats engaged in state politics to recognize and wield their significant power.

He emphasized the critical role of states, declaring, "States are no longer merely experimental grounds for policy testing."

Speaking to a group of Democratic donors, strategists, and state legislators gathered at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Shapiro described states as "the strongholds of democracy."

He further characterized the states as "a vital counterbalance to former President Donald Trump's disregard for the rule of law and executive overreach."

These remarks were delivered during the inaugural event for the States Forum, a new platform aimed at expanding Democratic victories in state legislatures nationwide amid the party's challenges at the federal level.

The States Forum blends elements of a think tank, a convention, and a network of state legislators and policy experts, all focused on advancing state-driven initiatives that could be adopted by other states or inform national policy.

Founded by the team behind the States Project—an influential group that invested over $130 million in state legislative campaigns over the past two election cycles—the States Forum will operate independently with an initial budget of $4 million.