On May 19, 2025, a mixed panel of politics researchers and policymakers convened for a discussion on the opportunities and challenges of governance in blue trifectas (i.e., states where Democrats control the governorship and both chambers of state legislature).

At of the beginning of 2025, 37% of Americans lived in states governed by blue trifectas. These are states where, at least on paper, Democratic Party officials have real opportunities to govern and advance their agenda.

However, the panelists emphasize that in the absence of a credible electoral threat from Republicans, Democratic lawmakers in blue trifectas have less incentive to work together to pass and implement effective policy to maintain and build voter support. Additionally, the lack of electoral competitiveness in general elections may increase the influence of interest groups, which often play an important role in low-turnout primaries.

Rigorous analysis of the real-world political dynamics of the Democratic Party is thin. The panelists’ commentary provides a window into the challenges and tensions within the Democratic Party writ large. By comparing experiences from different blue states that face different circumstances, their discussion illuminates our understanding of the complex coalitional politics of the modern Democratic Party.

Panelists

Arkadi Gerney, former Executive Director, Hub Project
Collon Kennedy, Lobbyist, Colorado Communique
Kate Gordon, CEO, California Fwd
Vicki Been, Judge Edward Weinfeld Professor of Law, NYU School of Law

Moderator

Paul Pierson, John Gross Distinguished Professor of Political Science, UC Berkeley