National Governors Association facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
National Governors Association
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| Chair | Jared Polis (D-CO) |
| Vice Chair | Kevin Stitt (R-OK) |
| Executive Committee | Spencer Cox (R-UT) Greg Gianforte (R-MT) Kathy Hochul (D-NY) Jeff Landry (R-LA) Bill Lee (R-TN) Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) Josh Shapiro (D-PA) |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Headquarters | 444 N Capitol St Suite 267 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Affiliated | Bipartisan |
The National Governors Association (NGA) is an American group started in 1908. It brings together leaders from across the country. Its members are the governors from all 50 states, five territories, and commonwealths. These leaders come from different political parties.
The NGA helps state governments talk with the federal government. It works like a bridge between them. The NGA helps governors and their teams. They represent states in Washington, D.C. and at the White House. They discuss important national issues. The NGA also creates reports about state programs. It hosts events for state leaders to meet and share ideas.
The NGA has a special part called the Center for Best Practices. This center looks for new and good ideas from states. These ideas cover many topics. They include education, health, technology, and the environment. The NGA also gives advice and help to new and experienced governors.
The current NGA chair is Governor Jared Polis from Colorado. He is a Democrat. The current vice chair is Governor Kevin Stitt from Oklahoma. He is a Republican.
History of the NGA
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The idea for the NGA started in 1907. A group called the Inland Waterways Commission wanted to hear from states. They needed ideas on how to use and protect natural resources. This led to the first meeting of governors. Today, the NGA includes governors from all 50 U.S. states. It also includes governors from five U.S. territories. These are American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The NGA gets its money from state fees, government grants, and private donations.
Since 1941, the NGA has had a special rule for its leader. The position of NGA chair switches every year. It goes between a Republican governor and a Democratic governor. This way, one party cannot lead for two years in a row. The vice chair is always from the opposite party. They usually become the chair the next year.
As of 2025, Bill Clinton was the only former NGA chair to become president of the United States. Janet Napolitano became the first female chair in 2006. The NGA tries to work together across different political parties. Sometimes, this has been challenging.
Who Leads the NGA?
The NGA chair serves for one year. The chair and vice chair always switch parties. This ensures fairness. Some states have never had a governor serve as NGA chair. These include Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and South Dakota. None of the five territories have had a chair either.
See also
- Executive federalism
- National Cabinet (Australia), a similar group in Australia
- Council of the Federation, a similar group in Canada
- Inter-State Council, a similar group in India
- Joint Ministerial Committee (UK), a similar group in the United Kingdom
- National Governors Association of Japan
- National Governors Conference (Mexico), a similar group in Mexico
- Conference of Ministers-President, a similar group in Germany
- European Council, a similar group in the European Union
- United States Conference of Mayors
- Republican Governors Association
- Democratic Governors Association
- Governors Highway Safety Association
