Democrats are turning to governors for a shot in the arm, at a time when their party has been rudderless and looking for leadership.

For months, Democrats say they have grown increasingly agitated with the lack of leadership coming from congressional leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.).

Instead, governors, from Gavin Newsom in California to JB Pritzker in Illinois and Kathy Hochul in New York, have stepped up to the moment, showing a willingness to take on Republicans at a time when Democrats are craving a fight.

Democrats have watched as Newsom, a clear presidential hopeful in 2028, has mirrored President Trump on social media. They’ve cheered his willingness to wade into the redistricting fight, after Texas Republicans voted to have their state redrawn.

Rank-and-file Democrats also have applauded Pritzker's bullish retorts to Trump in recent days. Pritzker is also widely seen as a potential presidential candidate.

And they've been pleasantly surprised by the eagerness of Hochul, generally not seen as a presidential candidate, to wade into battle with Trump and his party.

“I think after seven months of shouting into the wind, Democrats have to stop looking to congressional leadership for answers,” said Democratic strategist Christy Setzer.........

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