President Donald Trump announced he will designate Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey as co-chair of the Council of Governors, according to a release.

The council serves as a bipartisan forum for governors and the administration to discuss critical issues affecting states and the federal government, especially matters pertaining to the National Guard, homeland defense and defense support to civil authorities, and advise on policy direction, the release states.

“I am honored to continue my work on the Council of Governors as co-chair,” Mr. Ducey stated. “Prioritizing the Council is just one of the many ways the Trump Administration has facilitated strong partnerships with the states and given Arizona a seat at the table on the issues that matter most. I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead dialogue on these important issues and look forward to further collaboration and success working alongside our federal partners.”

The Council of Governors includes 10 governors — five from each party — the secretaries of the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, the president’s homeland security and counterterrorism advisors, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, the commandant of the Coast Guard and the chief of the National Guard Bureau, among other federal officials.

Mr. Ducey has served on the Council of Governors since 2019. He will take over as Republican co-chair, a position previously held by Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is leaving the council. The White House announced Wednesday that the Council’s 10th governor slot will be filled by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

Members of the council include new co-chair Gov. Doug Ducey, co-chair Hawaii Gov. David Ige, Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee — to be appointed — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.