2028 auditions for Democratic presidential nomination kick off as Pritzker visits New Hampshire

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is making waves in New Hampshire, a state known for hosting the first presidential primary in the race for the White House. As a potential contender for the Democrats’ 2028 presidential nomination, Pritzker is set to headline the state party’s largest annual fundraising gala this weekend.

Pritzker, a billionaire Democrat from the solidly blue Midwest state, has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s policies. He believes that the nation is in a constitutional crisis and that it is time for people to stand up and fight against the administration’s harmful actions.

The governor’s visit to New Hampshire is seen as an early indicator of his interest in running for the presidency in the next election. In the wake of recent election setbacks for Democrats, there is a growing tension within the party as the base looks for strong leadership to challenge Trump and the Republicans.

Gavin Newsom, the two-term governor of California, another high-profile Democrat with national ambitions, recently expressed uncertainty about what the party truly represents. This reflection on the party’s direction has led to questions about its values and messaging moving forward.

Pritzker, who is eligible to run for re-election in 2026, has yet to announce his plans. However, there is speculation that he may be considering a presidential run in 2028. Although Pritzker remains focused on the upcoming gubernatorial race in Illinois, the possibility of a national campaign is on the horizon.

During his visit to New Hampshire, Pritzker will deliver a keynote address at the state Democratic Party’s annual McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club dinner. This event serves as an early audition for potential candidates in the 2028 White House race, as New Hampshire Democrats are eager for strong opposition to Trump’s policies.

Behind the scenes, there is already action in the 2028 presidential race. Potential candidates, including Pritzker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Senator Cory Booker, and Representative Ro Khanna, are actively engaging with activists and sending fundraising emails to build support.

While Pritzker’s visit may seem early, it is actually occurring later in the calendar than the first stop in an early-voting state in the 2024 presidential election cycle. This early engagement with voters in key states like New Hampshire is crucial for candidates to build momentum and support for their potential campaigns.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Democrats are looking for strong leadership to challenge the Trump administration and push for progressive policies. Governor JB Pritzker’s visit to New Hampshire is just the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic and competitive race for the White House in 2028.