Governors and State Executives
Governors and state executives are the officials who lead the executive branch of state government. The governor carries out state laws, proposes budgets, signs or vetoes bills, and commands the state National Guard in many matters. Other statewide offices, such as attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer, are elected in some states and appointed in others.
People usually bring questions about what a governor can and cannot do, how governors work with legislatures, and how to reach a governor's office. Others ask about pardons and clemency, emergency powers, and how governors use federal and state funds.
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About the Governors Public Health Alliance
On October 15, 2025, fifteen governors announced the Governors Public Health Alliance, a coalition designed to coordinate public health policy across states. The Alliance…
How to Contact Your Governor
Governor contact pages offer routes for policy opinions, agency complaints and meeting requests, with different limits on help, replies and privacy.
Expungement vs. Pardon vs. Commutation: Pathways to a Second Chance
A criminal record often carries consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom or completion of a sentence. These "collateral consequences" create significant barriers to…
How Governors Used GEER Funds During the COVID-19 Pandemic
GEER gave governors choices about pandemic education aid. State programs and audits show how those choices worked, the limits and how to follow the money.