Bill McBride, who is stepping down from his role as executive director of the National Governors Association (NGA), shared insights on how bipartisan cooperation can address national challenges in a politically polarized era.
In a conversation with Fox News Digital, McBride reflected on his experience collaborating with governors from both parties during his tenure at the 117-year-old organization, particularly through the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his leadership, the NGA recorded unprecedented participation from all 50 states and five territories, working with a diverse mix of governors, including Republican Spencer Cox from Utah, Democrat Jared Polis from Colorado, and Republican Kevin Stitt from Oklahoma. Throughout this time, McBride emphasized several bipartisan initiatives that had significant national implications.
McBride pointed out that governors often feel intense pressure to produce results, contrasting their ability to act decisively with the sometimes stagnant political maneuvering seen in Congress, like during government shutdowns. This focus on performance leads to more solution-oriented discussions, he noted.
“Executives need to deliver results and make quick decisions; otherwise, progress halts,” he explained.
The NGA has managed to flourish even amid challenges. McBride highlighted that the pandemic was pivotal in bringing together governors from different political stripes to tackle complex issues. Weekly meetings allowed governors to coordinate efforts, exchange vital information, and collaborate with federal agencies.
“We did that call for about 67 weeks, with 40 to 45 governors each time. We covered everything, from understanding the pandemic to discussing vaccines and testing supplies. It really unified the group,” he said. “They not only attended those calls but also started reaching out to one another individually, creating a valuable resource for all involved.”
McBride expressed concern that such bipartisan collaboration is diminishing outside organizations like the NGA. He observed, “There’s a growing divide where people seem reluctant to engage with those across the aisle, perhaps out of fear or stubbornness. But genuinely listening to differing opinions can lead to greater understanding and insight.”
The NGA, originally formed as the Conference of Governors in 1908 at President Theodore Roosevelt’s urging, has focused on facilitating practical solutions for states while remaining politically neutral. McBride emphasized this nonpartisan approach enables meaningful policy discussions regardless of party lines.
He noted, “Governors face various challenges—energy, education, infrastructure. Our role is to help them navigate these issues and create effective policies.”
Describing his experiences within the NGA, he noted, “Seeing governors from both parties interact was enlightening. Though there are philosophical differences, they come together as executives addressing similar issues, learning and sharing ideas.”
McBride also connected the NGA’s mission to a recent initiative called “Disagree Better,” which he believes helped prepare Governor Cox for managing a difficult situation involving the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. He commended Cox for promoting a message of constructive disagreement without resorting to hostility.
“It’s about recognizing that, while we may not always agree, we can still maintain respect for one another,” he said, referring to Governor Cox’s leadership during a challenging time.
