2023 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Principles & Values
Andy Beshear:
I have faith in God and faith in us
I have faith in God and faith in us. I have faith that we, the people of Kentucky, can, will and are addressing each of these worries. And we're doing it together. In the face of some of the greatest challenges imaginable, time and time again
Kentuckians showed up for one another. Scripture tells us that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. And that's exactly what folks across this commonwealth have been doing.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature
Jan 4, 2023
Greg Gianforte:
Make Montana a sanctuary for freedom and free enterprise
But we have a long way to go. Friends, we're just getting started. We're going to keep making Montana a sanctuary for freedom and free enterprise.
Together, we will make Montana an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and achieve the American Dream. Because that's what Montanans sent us here to do, to focus on their priorities.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Gretchen Whitmer:
Our message is simple: we will fight for your freedom
I want anyone living in a state that wants to control your body or deny your existence to know that Michigan has a place for you. Together, we are going to change Michigan from a state with century-old bans to forward looking protections.
Our message is simple: we will fight for your freedom. And you know what? Let's go on offense. I'll go to any state that restricts people's freedoms and win business and hardworking people from them. I'm looking at you, Ohio and Indiana.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Gretchen Whitmer:
My fellow Michiganders, we live in a special place
Fatalism is in vogue as people wonder aloud whether America's best days are behind her. I reject that. We cannot mistake pessimism for intelligence. And we must never forget who we are. My fellow Michiganders, we live in a special place.
Our beautiful state has played host to so much progress because of our unbreakable, hopeful spirit. As the world grapples with big challenges and asks itself tough questions, our responsibility as Michiganders is to roll up our sleeves and do the work.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Jared Polis:
Colorado is unique; we always have been
Colorado is unique, we always have been. We are a state that just this year voted to cut the income tax again while legalizing mushrooms. Our state might be shaped like a square but the political pundits can't put us in a box,
so they label us whatever one color they see -- red, blue, purple. I see a harmonious rainbow of colorful opinions that make up our state of pragmatic westerners.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
Jay Inslee:
We can't be number one in everything but we sure come close
We invest in our people and our communities. It's a reason we've been rated best state in America, best economy, second best state for business, third best state for workers--we can't be number one in everything, but we sure come close.
This is not an accident. That's because of the work we do in these chambers. Because of that work, I can proudly report that the state of our state is strong.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wash. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Jim Justice:
All the goodness in West Virginia is because of God above
My best wisdom of the day would be just this: try as best you can to not want anything for yourself. Literally. This is an honor, beyond all comprehension. For every last one of you, do what our forefathers did, and did so admirably. They served, first
and foremost they served, please don't put self in front of that. Always try to do what your voters and constituents are asking you to do. At the end of the day, we're here to do their work. We're here to do the people's wishes.
Think about the stuff that's going on today in this great state. You know, how did all this goodness happen? I believe with all my soul first and foremost it happened because of God above. I believe that with all in me. There's no way that any of us
could have been smart enough to have written or written all this down and figured all this out. He wants us to work hard, and he wants us to do our job. But I believe he is guiding this incredible state every single step of the way.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the W.V. legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Josh Green:
Important to bring us together as one ohana, one family
Hawai'i is one 'ohana--one family--and this is one of our most important values and greatest strengths. This will be one of my most important responsibilities as governor--to bring people together,
unite us as one 'ohana, and always remind us that we are stronger together and we can accomplish anything when we share a common purpose.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Joe Lombardo:
The Nevada Way: never give up; never stop dreaming
Our Nevada history teaches us to persevere while others settle for less. Time and again, we have gathered our resolve and doubled our determination when others tell us it can't be done or shouldn't be tried. We instinctively do the opposite.
It is my intention to work side by side with all of you to write another chapter of Nevada history, that will record, that we did it the Nevada Way--never give up, never stop dreaming.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Katie Hobbs:
Let's work together, not chase conspiracy theories
If you're ready to make real progress on the issues that matter most to the people of this state, then my door will always be open. However, chasing conspiracy theories, pushing agendas for special interests, attacking the rights of your fellow
Arizonans or seeking to further undermine our democracy will lead nowhere. Instead, I would like to extend an invitation. Let's work together to make a significant impact in the lives of the families and communities of this state.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 9, 2023
Kristi Noem:
South Dakotans build the American Dream by working hard
We are number one in the nation for personal income growth over the past several years. That is how South Dakotans build the American Dream by working hard and earning more than they have before. We have the fastest growth of housing developments.
We have the most family-owned businesses of any state. We have the most registered hunters per-capita of any state. And we were recognized for making the best decisions by the American Legislative Exchange Council. Common Cause explanation:
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is a corporate lobbying group that brings together corporate lobbyists and politicians to draft and vote--as equals and behind closed doors--on "model bills" that often benefit the
corporations' bottom line. These model bills, drafted without public input, are then introduced in state legislatures across the country, usually with ALEC's involvement concealed.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the S.D. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Kristi Noem:
I believe South Dakota is the freest state in the nation
I believe South Dakota is the freest state in the nation. We fight to defend our constitutional rights. We ensure that every South Dakotan has the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Our nation was built on Freedom--but our
constitutional freedoms are under assault from Washington D.C. America needs South Dakota's example of how conservative policies and values make people's lives better. These policies bring success and hope.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the S.D. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Kristi Noem:
We're in the greatest nation in the history of the world
We live in the strongest and greatest nation in the history of the world. With that greatness comes unique challenges. But we aren't afraid of challenges.
As President Harry S. Truman famously said, "America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand."
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the S.D. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Laura Kelly:
My message is this: Continue to meet me in the middle
All of this happened because we came together, Democrats and Republicans. Not a single bill would have been signed into law if people had just dug in their heels and refused to budge. Our friends in Washington could learn a thing or two from how we
operate here in Kansas. But we can't get complacent. My message to you tonight is this: Continue to meet me in the middle. That's how Kansans solve differences in their everyday lives, and it's the only way we'll solve the big challenges ahead of us.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
Mark Gordon:
Something about our western culture is simply extraordinary
There is something about Wyoming people and our western culture that is simply extraordinary. Folks here know there is more to being a cowboy than simply wearing a hat--it is knowing when to take it off,
when to help your neighbor, and what is important to preserve for our children. We are a people with grit, courage, and kindness in our souls.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wyoming legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Ned Lamont:
Just turned 69; getting older is kind of liberating
So, I turned 69 yesterday. Time marches on, so we better hurry up. Maybe I am less guarded, a little more blunt, and feeling more urgency to get to yes.
Getting older is kind of liberating. I don't want you to wait a generation before you feel equally liberated.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to Connecticut legislature
Jan 4, 2023
Phil Murphy:
NGA: More respect and friendship; less partisanship
I have the great honor this year of serving as the Chairman of the National Governors Association. Sitting by my side as vice-chairman is Governor Spencer Cox, Republican of Utah.There are few states more different than New Jersey and Utah.
Yet over the past six months, Spencer and I have come to respect each other not just as colleagues, but even more so as friends. This is what we need more of in our politics. Definitely at the national level, but right here at home, as well.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Phil Murphy:
It's okay to admit it: it's cool to be from New Jersey again
Jersey Pride is bubbling up once again all throughout our state. We've always had a swagger. In past times it was our line of defense against any number of slights and jokes. But not any more.It is okay to admit it--it's cool to be from
New Jersey again. It's cool because we are once again leading in all the right things. And, because in 2026, we get to host the World Cup.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Spencer Cox:
Vice Chairman of the National Governors Association
Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ): "I have the great honor this year of serving as the Chairman of the National Governors Association. Sitting by my side as vice-chairman is Governor Spencer Cox, Republican of Utah. There are few states more different than New
Jersey & Utah. Yet over the past 6 months, Spencer & I have come to respect each other not just as colleagues, but even more so as friends. This is what we need more of in our politics. Definitely at the national level, but right here at home, as well."
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Spencer Cox:
It is for the free people of Utah to dictate our destiny
To every young person today grappling with fear, I want to speak to you. Whether it be fear of finding a good career or a home you can afford to buy. Or fear of a planet in peril, or attacks on democracy at home or abroad, or the effects of inflation.
Or fear of any of the other crazy things in our society today. If there is one message that I could give to you, it is this: The future of our state is not written in the stars. It is for us, the free men and women of Utah, to dictate our destiny.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature
Jan 19, 2023
Spencer Cox:
Real power in pleading for help from a higher authority
Now, you have heard me ask our fellow Utahns to unite in faith and prayer in asking God to help deliver us from drought. I have been mocked both at home and abroad by clever comedians and pundits in the media. But, as a man of faith,
I make no excuses for my beliefs. I believe there is real power in people of all different faiths and backgrounds uniting together and pleading for help from a higher authority than our own.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature
Jan 19, 2023
Tate Reeves:
Never give into cynics who seek to tear down our great state
That's why I urge all of you here today to stand with me and call out the lies when they are thrown at all of us. We can never give into the cynics who seek to tear down our great state.We can never give into Joe Biden and the national
Democrats who seek to force feed us an unhealthy dose of progressivism because they view Mississippians as Neanderthals. And we can never give into those who want us to live in a perpetual state of self-condemnation.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Miss. legislature
Jan 30, 2023
Tate Reeves:
Blessed by one common God who smiles down upon Mississippi
We are blessed to live in a wonderful state. We are blessed to have wonderful neighbors. We are blessed by one common God who smiles down upon Mississippi.
I have no doubt that our future is brighter than ever before and that, together, we will continue to build this great state upwards.God bless all of you. And may God continue to bless this great state that we all love, Mississippi.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Miss. legislature
Jan 30, 2023
Glenn Youngkin:
Faith seared in our heart by loving, almighty Creator
Friends, Virginia is the birthplace of America, the most exceptional nation the world has ever
known?and while we have not always lived up to our ideals, through the faith and determination that has been seared in our heart by a loving and almighty Creator, we have always strived to do better.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Bill Lee:
Elites don't always know best; everyday American people do
Last fall, I met a man in Crossville who had just moved his family all the way from New York. He said to me, "When I moved to Tennessee, I felt like I moved back to America." In many ways, our country is off track. But America's best days are not
behind her. If the rest of the country can learn one thing from leading states like Tennessee, it's that when you trust your people, you'll succeed. The most elite, most educated people don't always know best--the everyday American people know best.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 6, 2023
Chris Sununu:
Government not here to guarantee solutions to your problems
New Hampshire is the envy of the nation and the freest state in the Union. Other governors and people ask me all the time how has New Hampshire been so successful in keeping our economy strong even throughout COVID. I explain it's because we
don't overly burden our citizens with taxes and fees, and we ensure businesses can be successful without unnecessary regulations or bureaucracy. Government is not here to guarantee a solution to your problems but to help pave Pathways of opportunity.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.H. legislature
Feb 14, 2023
J.B. Pritzker:
In Illinois, we don't hide from the truth; we embrace it
There is a virulent strain of nationalism plaguing our nation, led by demagogues who are pushing censorship. It's an ideological battle by the right wing, hiding behind a claim that they would protect our children -- but whose real intention is to
marginalize people and ideas they don't like. This afternoon I've laid out a budget agenda that does everything possible to invest in the education of our children. Yet it's all meaningless if we ban books from school libraries about racism suffered by
Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron, and tell kids they can't talk about being gay, and signals to Black and Brown people and Asian Americans and
Jews and Muslims that our authentic stories can't be told. Here in Illinois, we don't hide from the truth, we embrace it. That's what makes us strong.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature
Feb 15, 2023
Kevin Stitt:
We have brought the American Dream back to Oklahoma
Today, families and businesses from New York and Chicago and L.A. pack up their little apartments and come to the open plains of Oklahoma,- Ready to enjoy a safe community,
- A government that doesn't get in their way,
-
And the opportunity to chase their American Dream.
- Because that's what we've done. We have brought the American Dream back to Oklahoma.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 6, 2023
Wes Moore:
We all want what's best for the people we represent
What I called for over the last twenty minutes or so weren't Democratic beliefs. They weren't really partisan at all. These were the things we all hope for, for all Marylanders. We are here, serving together,
because we believe a career in service is a difference-making profession. We all want what's best for the people we represent. This is the righteous core of politics. This is the essence of why we do the work.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 1, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023