2026 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Civil Rights


Brad Little: We eliminated CRT and DEI

Last year, in the Oval Office, I spoke with President Trump about how Idaho exemplifies his vision of America. We're tough on crime. We protect the unborn. We eliminated CRT and DEI, and we led the nation in preventing men from competing in women's sports. We also talked about how Idaho advances his Talent Strategy for America through Idaho LAUNCH. Together, we are putting the American worker first.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature Jan 12, 2026

Gretchen Whitmer: I'll veto any legislation that diminishes your humanity

I want to take a moment now to speak directly to our gay and trans neighbors, family, and friends. I want you to know that you are welcome in Michigan. You belong, you matter, and no matter who comes after you, I'll stand in the way. In Michigan, we look out for each other. That's why I'll always fight for your freedom and safety. And I'll veto any legislation that diminishes your humanity. I got your back.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature Feb 25, 2026

Jim Pillen: Silly politics kept restrooms out of anti-trans bill

Senator Kauth continues her tenacious leadership to protect our kids and to shield Nebraska's girls' spaces from men. While we delivered important protections for locker rooms and similar spaces last year, silly politics left restrooms out of the bill. I call upon this body to finish the job of keeping Nebraska a safe space for girls by putting Senator Kauth's bill on my desk.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Nebraska legislature Jan 15, 2026

Tim Walz: Anti-LGBTQ activists hit a brick wall here in Minnesota

Our trans friends are facing an all-out assault on their right to exist--but here in Minnesota, we've instituted protections, including the right to gender-affirming care, because we are a place where everyone belongs. Conservative activists are pushing anti-LGBTQ ideology everywhere they can--but they've hit a brick wall here in Minnesota, where we've put a stop to conversion therapy and book bans that deny kids the right to free expression.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature Apr 29, 2026

  • The above quotations are from 2026 Governor's State of the State speeches.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Civil Rights.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
  • Click here for more quotes by Gavin Newson on Civil Rights.
  • Click here for more quotes by Kay Ivey on Civil Rights.
Gubernatorial candidates on Civil Rights:
Gubernatorial races in 2026:
  • AK: Mike Dunleavy(R,term-limited)
  • AL: Kay Ivey(R,term-limited)
  • AR: Sarah Huckabee Sanders(R,for re-election)
  • AZ: Katie Hobbs(D,for re-election)
  • CA: Gavin Newsom(D,term-limited)
  • CO: Jared Polis(D,term-limited)
  • CT: Ned Lamont(D,for re-election)
  • FL: Ron DeSantis(R,term-limited)
  • GA: Brian Kemp(R,term-limited)
  • HI: Josh Green(D,for re-election)
  • IA: Kim Reynolds(R,retiring)
  • ID: Brad Little(R,for re-election)
  • IL: J.B. Pritzker(D,for re-election)
  • KS: Laura Kelly(D,term-limited)
  • MA: Maura Healey(D,for re-election)
  • MD: Wes Moore(D,for re-election)
  • ME: Janet Mills(D,term-limited)
    		• 2026 gubernatorial races continued...
  • MI: Gretchen Whitmer(D,term-limited)
  • MN: Tim Walz(D,retiring)
  • NE: Jim Pillen(R,for re-election)
  • NH: Kelly Ayotte(R,for re-election)
  • NM: Michelle Lujan-Grisham(D,term-limited)
  • NV: Joe Lombardo(R)
  • NY: Kathy Hochul(D,for re-election)
  • OH: Mike DeWine(R,term-limited)
  • OK: Kevin Stitt(R,term-limited)
  • OR: Tina Kotek(D,for re-election)
  • PA: Josh Shapiro(D,for re-election)
  • RI: Dan McKee(D,for re-election)
  • SC: Henry McMaster(R,term-limited)
  • SD: Larry Rhoden(R,for re-election)
  • TN: Bill Lee(R,term-limited)
  • TX: Greg Abbott(R,for re-election)
  • VT: Phil Scott(R,for re-election)
  • WI: Tony Evers(D,retiring)
  • WY: Mark Gordon(R,term-limited)
    • Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org!
    Click for details -- or send donations to:
    1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
    E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org
    (We rely on your support!)

    Page last updated: Oct 26, 2026