Indivisibles,
Trump isn’t hiding his intentions. He and the architects of Project 2025 are laying the groundwork for a second term that rolls back decades of hard-won protections, dismantles vital government institutions and agencies, and threatens the very fabric of our communities.
With just 47 days until Trump returns to the White House, Democratic governors including JB Pritzker (IL), Gavin Newsom (CA), and Kathy Hochul (NY) have begun taking steps to defend against federal overreach and safeguard the health, rights, and freedoms of their citizens.
In blue states across the country, there’s more that can be done. And Democratic governors and legislatures need to act fast -- even if that means working around the clock in special legislative sessions.
We created the “Democrats Safeguarding Democracy: A Blueprint for Blue States to Prepare for Trump 2.0” toolkit to help blue state residents like you demand action from your leaders and support good work being done. By pressuring your state lawmakers to act quickly -- and standing in solidarity with them when they do -- we can make our states refuges against autocratic MAGA policies and lifelines for targeted communities in red states.
What can state lawmakers (and you) do in this moment?
Blue state leaders have numerous tools to resist Trump’s agenda and defend their constituents. Here are a few of the most powerful strategies governors and legislatures can use to fight back:
- Utilize Economic Leverage: States with significant economic power can use their influence to counter Trump’s agenda by setting procurement and contracting standards that prioritize civil rights, environmental responsibility, and fair labor practices.
- Implement Sanctuary Policies for Out-of-State Visitors: Blue states can enact laws that protect individuals traveling from red states to access services restricted under Trump’s policies.
- Establish State-Funded Legal Defense Funds: Blue states can establish funds to defend against Trump-era policies that infringe on state sovereignty or individual rights. This might include legal action to safeguard protections in areas like reproductive healthcare, climate action, or voting rights from federal interference.
You can find even more tips and strategies in the “Democrats Safeguarding Democracy: A Blueprint for Blue States” toolkit. This toolkit is designed to be your guide, but it’s your voice, your action, and your commitment that will turn these plans into reality.
If you’re in a place where your Democratic elected officials are already making moves to resist, you might think there’s nothing for you to do. But remember:
- Many politicians talk a good game, but our job is to ensure they walk the walk. Even if your governor is mentioned here as taking good first steps, they need to follow through.
- Taking on these fights involves real risk -- MAGA will retaliate. Your elected officials will need you behind them to stay brave.
Elected officials often only hear from constituents when they’re upset. It might sound small, but a “thank you” or a word of encouragement can go a long way. Cheer them on, and be ready to stand by them when the going gets tough.
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You can obviously use this toolkit as an individual, but there is always more strength in numbers. By connecting with a local Indivisible group or starting your own, you can use the steps outlined in this toolkit to create a groundswell of pressure (or support) for your state lawmakers.
So dive in, connect with your local Indivisible group and let's ensure our lawmakers are ready to act. Because this only works if we all push together. We need to work collectively to demand every Democrat -- every single one -- gets off the fence and gets in the fight.
In solidarity, Indivisible Team
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