Ahead of the 2026 NGA Winter Meeting, NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. February 18, demonstrating cross-party unity and mutual respect at a time of deep national political division.
David Rubenstein interviewed the Governors. As befits The Economic Club, both Governors talked about their economic development work. Governor Stitt, finishing his final term, highlighted Oklahoma’s affordable energy grid and recent economic wins, including landing the first U.S. aluminum smelter in 45 years. Governor Moore pointed to Maryland’s economic diversification efforts and major investments from AstraZeneca and Samsung Biologics. He also noted that the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in early 2024, is now on track to be rebuilt in record time.
Both Governors spoke candidly about their personal journeys to the American Dream. Governor Stitt spoke of lessons learned from his pastor father and starting a successful business after college with $1,000 and a computer. Governor Moore talked about the strength of his single mother, becoming a Rhodes Scholar, a U.S. Army combat veteran, and only the third African American Governor in U.S. history.
On the policy front, Governor Stitt talked about using government to facilitate, not implement solutions. For instance, Governor Stitt noted addressing affordability in housing by enabling large developers to finance and build their own infrastructure in new developments, or allowing “behind the meter” electrical generation to reduce energy costs for businesses and consumers. Governor Moore described frustration earlier in his career when he spent six months trying to convince a sitting Governor to address child poverty in a state of the state address and failing. When the Governor took office, he devoted nearly 15 minutes of his first state of the state to launching what he called a full bipartisan assault on childcare, turning personal experience into policy priority.
Together, the two Governors illustrated how differing governing philosophies need not prevent leaders from working together and learning from one another.
Governor Kevin Stitt
NGA Chair
Governor Wes Moore
NGA Vice ChairWatch the entire session:
The conversation then moved on to the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream for a conversation between Governor Stitt and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, moderated by CNN’s Dana Bash. The conversation covered issues shaping the lives of every American, from housing affordability and energy costs to AI, immigration and the health of democracy itself.
On the American Dream, both Governors acknowledged growing pessimism among young Americans, with Gallup data showing only 59% believe they have a high quality of life, the lowest recorded in 20 years. Governor Stitt argued the American Dream remains alive but must be actively championed. Governor Stein pointed to North Carolina’s record $24 billion in investment and 35,000 new jobs last year as proof that real opportunity can be made tangible.
On housing affordability, both Governors found common ground, with Stitt backing a free-market approach by cutting permitting barriers to supply, and Stein agreeing that supply is the core issue, discussing his push for legislation that enables construction of all housing types.
On AI and energy, Governor Stitt again highlighted Oklahoma’s affordable grid and “behind the meter” policy. Governor Stein praised this approach and noted the rapid demand for energy North Carolina is facing due to population and business growth. On immigration, both Governors called for sensible immigration reform centered on secure borders and public safety, with Stitt arguing Governors should be empowered to issue state-level workforce permits tied to employer sponsorship.
The two closed with a simple message: disagreement doesn’t require contempt, and Americans are hungry for leaders who prove it.
Governor Josh Stein
North CarolinaGovernor Kevin Stitt
OklahomaWatch the entire session:
Wednesday closed with a three Governor conversation at the America at 250 Forum, a joint event between The Pew Charitable Trusts and Disagree Better. Governor Stitt was joined by Governor Moore and Utah Governor Spencer Cox for a discussion on how to find common ground and solve important problems through civil conversation. Steve Inskeep, Host of NPR’s “Morning Edition,” moderated a candid conversation on democracy, civic trust and the art of disagreeing better.
On civic trust, all three Governors agreed that America’s deepest problem is not political but social. Cox argued that the loss of community institutions, such as churches, Rotary Clubs, and local associations, has left Americans lonelier and more tribal, channeling energy into social media algorithms that reward outrage over connection. “If America ceases to be good, she ceases to be great,” he said. Moore, who made Maryland the first state to offer a paid service year for all high school graduates, argued that structured service is how Americans learn to see each other again. “Service will save us,” he said.
On federalism and restraint, all three sounded an alarm about the growing power of the federal executive at the expense of states and Congress. Governor Cox argued the founders deliberately made governing hard and that Congress’ abdication of its own authority has dangerously concentrated power in the presidency. Governor Stitt echoed this, warning against pendulum swings where each administration undoes policies from the previous administration. Governor Moore noted that checks and balances were designed precisely so the system doesn’t depend on any one person.
The closing message was unified: Governors are built to produce results. As Moore put it, “We don’t get bonus points for railing against the system. Either you’re producing for your people or you’re not.”
Governor Wes Moore
MarylandGovernor Kevin Stitt
Oklahoma
Governor Spencer Cox
UtahWatch the entire session:
