Democratic Governors Form Alliance to Enhance Public Health Coordination

On October 15, 2025, a coalition of 15 Democratic governors and the governor of Guam announced the formation of the Governors Public Health Alliance (GPHA), a nonpartisan initiative aimed at enhancing public health coordination and emergency preparedness across state lines. The alliance includes leaders from California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Guam, among others.

The GPHA was established in response to perceived funding cuts and reduced federal support under the Trump administration, particularly concerning public health initiatives. The alliance aims to serve as a collaborative hub for sharing data, best practices, and policy guidance on issues such as vaccine policy, emergency response, and health security.

"California is proud to help launch this new alliance because the American people deserve a public health system that puts science before politics," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "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."

The primary objectives of the GPHA include facilitating the exchange of health data among member states to improve disease surveillance and response, collaborating on effective public health strategies and policies, and developing coordinated policies on vaccine distribution, emergency preparedness, and health security. The alliance plans to provide toolkits, briefings, and coordinated strategies ahead of seasonal illnesses and major global events, such as the 2028 Olympics.

The GPHA is supported by GovAct, a nonprofit initiative that assists governors in protecting fundamental freedoms, including public health. The alliance is guided by national experts, including former CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, former Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink, and former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense Dr. Raj Panjabi.

The formation of the GPHA highlights a political divide in public health approaches. Democratic governors have criticized the federal government's handling of public health, particularly decisions by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to not recommend COVID-19 vaccinations, leaving the choice to individuals. In contrast, federal officials argue that Democratic-led states eroded public trust with earlier mandates and emphasize grounding policies in rigorous evidence and science.

This initiative builds on prior regional efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Democratic-led states collaborated to manage protective equipment shortages and coordinate reopenings. The GPHA represents a more formalized and expansive approach to state-led public health coordination.

The establishment of the GPHA signifies a shift towards state-led public health initiatives in response to perceived inadequacies at the federal level. This move may lead to more localized and tailored public health responses but also raises concerns about the potential for fragmented national health policies. The alliance's focus on collaboration and data sharing aims to mitigate these concerns by fostering consistency across member states.

The formation of the Governors Public Health Alliance marks a significant development in the landscape of public health governance, reflecting broader trends towards state autonomy and collaboration in the face of federal policy shifts.