California announces coalition of Governors forming new alliance to protect public health from political interference

What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced California and 14 other Governors are forming a non-partisan coalition to coordinate on public health guidance that is based in science, not politics.

SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today joined 14 other Governors in launching the Governors Public Health Alliance, a new non-partisan hub coordinating public health leadership across the country. The Alliance will strengthen emergency preparedness, improve communication, share data and expertise, and ensure states and territories can respond quickly and consistently to emerging health threats.

Participating Governors include: Bob Ferguson (WA), Josh Green (HI), Maura Healey (MA), Kathy Hochul (NY), Tina Kotek (OR), Ned Lamont (CT), Lou Leon Guerrero (GU), Dan McKee (RI), Matt Meyer (DE), Wes Moore (MD), Phil Murphy (NJ), Jared Polis (CO), JB Pritzker (IL), and Josh Stein (NC).

"California is proud to help launch this new alliance because the American people deserve a public health system that puts science before politics. As extremists try to weaponize the CDC and spread misinformation, we're stepping up to coordinate across states, protect communities, and ensure decisions are driven by data, facts, and the health of the American people."

Governor Gavin Newsom

This announcement comes on the heels of the Trump administration's dangerous misguidance on vaccine safety and efficacy, and the advancement of policies like the Big Beautiful Bill that strip millions of Americans of critical health care access.

The federal government's failing attempts to "Make America Healthy Again" have left yet another leadership gap in our nation's health and science efforts. The Governors Public Health Alliance is necessary to bring leaders and experts from across the country together, quickly, to help protect Americans from disease and injury.

Building on existing regional leadership

The alliance announced today builds on California's existing regional coordination efforts, like the West Coast Health Alliance. By bringing together public health groups and regional groups, the Governors Public Health Alliance will enhance cross-collaboration and serve as a forum to discuss best practices and common challenges.

About GovAct

The Governors Public Health Alliance is supported by GovAct, a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative that supports governors in protecting fundamental freedoms, including public health. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration through incubating, launching, and supporting alliances across governors' offices. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues facing the nation.

As an initiative of GovAct, the Alliance will also be guided by GovAct's Bipartisan Advisory Board of former governors-Arne Carlson (R), Jim Doyle (D), Deval Patrick (D), Marc Racicot (R), Kathleen Sebelius (D), and Bill Weld (R)-and former senior federal officials Sally Yates and Larry Thompson.

To learn more, go to https://www.GovActAlliance.org.