2025 Public Officials of the Year
Each year, Governing is proud to recognize a group of state and local officials who have brought about significant changes to their communities. Whether Democrat or Republican, these leaders have proven themselves effective at carrying out programs and policies that not only make a difference at home but provide lessons to leaders elsewhere.
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Columbus, Ohio, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, its economy driven by an unusual culture of cooperation led by Mayor Andrew Ginther. -
Los Angeles CIO Ted Ross faces many challenges, including a substantially reduced staff, but manages to revamp entire city functions nonetheless.
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Kentucky Secretary of State Michael G. Adams is one of the few public officials who's found a way to address both election security and ballot access concerns.
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Felecia Alston Green, a tech leader for DeKalb County, Ga., has modernized many of its most important internal and public-facing functions.
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Democratic Attorney General William Tong has earned bipartisan admiration from his peers even as he takes on the Trump administration and major corporate interests.
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Even in the days leading up to her assassination, Hortman offered an example of political bravery and smarts.
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Gov. Abbott has his critics but there's no denying Texas' economic success during his time in office. The state's GDP has increased 60 percent on his watch.
