The governors of four key states have taken pens in hand these past several days. Their decisions tell us much about how reformers should direct their efforts in future.

In New Hampshire and Arizona, the news is bad. On June 19, Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) vetoed New Hampshire Senate Bill 552, which would have allowed males and females to be classified by biological sex in multi-person bathrooms and in certain other locations and circumstances.

This marks the fourth time in two years that a Granite State chief executive has blocked a “bathroom bill” designed to protect young women from compromising and potentially dangerous exposure.

Arizona’s chief executive has wielded her veto pen, as well. Also on June 19, Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) rejected five measures that would have safeguarded children from gender radicalism, increased transparency for parents, and reinforced accountability within Arizona’s public institutions.

Supporters of HB 2249, SB 1095, SB 1094, SB 1015, and SB 1013 — all discussed in detail in this space previously — must now regroup.

The story is different in Louisiana, where Gov. Jeff Landry (R) has now signed HB 775, a measure requiring providers to seek parental consent for medical services performed on children under the age of 17. (The law also ensures parental access to minor children’s medical records.)

Duly passed and signed, the Pelican State’s new statute goes into effect on August 1.

Finally, recent events in North Carolina illustrate the value of reform-minded supermajorities in state legislatures. On July 3, 2025, Gov. Josh Stein (D) vetoed three bills that would have eliminated DEI in state agencies, public education, and public higher education, respectively.

Yet, thanks to subsequent legislative overrides, HB 171, SB 227, and SB 558 have now become law anyway.

Opponents of DEI and gender ideology should take note. An unfriendly governor’s office can derail commonsense legislation aimed at protecting children and the public.

But not always, not everywhere, and not forever.