Democrats eye 2028 election just months into Donald Trump’s second term

The 2028 presidential race is already starting to take shape, with some Democrats making early moves to lay the groundwork for potential campaigns. Just over four months since President Donald Trump returned to power in the White House, several prominent Democrats with likely national ambitions are already making appearances in key early voting states.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who served as the Democrats’ vice presidential nominee in 2024, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore are set to make separate appearances in South Carolina, the state chosen by the Democratic National Committee to hold the lead-off primary in the 2024 nominating calendar. Additionally, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who ran for president in 2020, will headline a major Democratic state party dinner in New Hampshire, which traditionally holds the first presidential primary.

Other potential contenders making moves include former Transportation Secretary and 2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, who recently headlined a town hall in Iowa, and two-term Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who gave a keynote address at a state party fundraising gala in New Hampshire.

Two-term Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has also expressed interest in a potential presidential run, stating that he would consider running if he felt he could successfully unite the country. Additionally, progressive firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been making headlines, co-headlining rallies with Sen. Bernie Sanders and sparking speculation about a potential 2028 run.

The Democratic Party has been in a state of flux since last November’s election setbacks, with Republicans gaining control of the White House, Senate, and defending their House majority. Democrats are now looking ahead to the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race, hoping to make gains and push back against Trump’s agenda.

With a wide-open race ahead, there are 20 Democrats considered potential presidential contenders to watch. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has been ramping up her political activity, headlining fundraisers and considering a run for governor in California before potentially launching a 2028 White House bid. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan are also among the potential contenders to keep an eye on.

As the 2028 race begins to take shape, Democratic hopefuls are already making moves to position themselves for a potential presidential run. With a wide field of potential contenders and a desire to push back against the Trump administration, the Democratic Party is gearing up for what promises to be a competitive and high-stakes race.