Pennsylvania Democrats flip state house as founders launch new policy forum in Philadelphia.
In the early hours of Wednesday, a contingent of lawmakers, Democratic strategists, and affluent donors ascended the iconic Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum. Their gathering marked the initiation of the States Forum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering “policy innovation” at the state level. The founders, Daniel Squadron, a former New York legislator, and Adam Pritzker, an entrepreneur and Illinois governor’s relative, previously partnered with Pennsylvania Democrats through their initiative, the States Project, which has significantly influenced legislative outcomes in Harrisburg.
Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Joanna McClinton, recounted during the launch event the pivotal role the States Project played when Pennsylvania Democrats were outnumbered. Since attaining a narrow legislative majority, Democrats have successfully enacted numerous liberal initiatives, such as establishing the Black Maternal Health Caucus and expanding property tax and rent rebates for senior citizens.
Squadron and Pritzker aim to further the ideals of representative democracy and effective governance through the States Forum. Their intent is to support state lawmakers in developing practical policy solutions that respond to constituent needs. Prior to the event, details surrounding the nonprofit remained sparse, with its online presence limited to basic information and a promise of future updates. Squadron humorously acknowledged this secrecy during his remarks at the launch.
The inception of the States Forum comes as the Democratic Party navigates a challenging political landscape marked by significant voter shifts since President Donald Trump’s administration began in 2016. In 2017, the founders established the States Project to assist Democrats in reclaiming state legislative majorities. Their efforts have included making substantial investments in Pennsylvania races; for instance, in 2022, the States Project emerged as the leading contributor to state legislative causes, spending substantially more than other entities.
With its legal separation from the States Project, the States Forum will concentrate on policy formulation for victorious legislators. Pritzker emphasized the organization’s role in prototyping innovative frameworks that allow lawmakers to identify strategies yielding tangible results for their communities.
The Philadelphia launch also featured the release of the inaugural issue of the Forum’s policy journal, which includes contributions from influential individuals, including Adam Jentleson, who has been vocal about his criticisms of Senator John Fetterman.
As the evening progressed, Governor Josh Shapiro addressed attendees, drawing attention to perceived chaos within the federal government and highlighting challenges facing state legislatures. He pointed out that recent legislation proposed by Trump could exacerbate difficulties experienced by state Medicaid programs, underscoring a broader narrative of state resilience in the face of federal actions.
Shapiro, widely seen as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, has stated intentions of running for reelection in 2026. His recent battles with the federal government over funding issues reflect a commitment to uphold state welfare amid ongoing budgetary challenges.
Reflecting on the current political landscape, Squadron noted the necessity for discussions centered on state governance rather than national politics, highlighting the need for a renewed focus on the critical role of state legislatures in shaping effective policy.
This upcoming initiative serves not only as a platform for policy dialogue but also as a call to action for Democratic lawmakers, symbolizing a strategic shift toward state-level engagement as the party seeks to reclaim its footing in an evolving political environment.
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