Here are the Democrats who may eventually run for president in 2028
The Democratic Party is in a state of deep introspection following the stunning setbacks in the recent presidential election and down-ballot races. A wave of blame and finger-pointing has already begun, with discussions on how to make corrections and move forward.
One of the key aspects being considered is who will lead the Democratic Party in the future and who may eventually make a bid for the presidency in 2028. While it may seem far off, recent history has shown that the early moves for the next White House race start very early.
Former President Trump unofficially kicked off the 2024 race less than two months after leaving office, with a speech at CPAC teasing his potential campaign. Similarly, Democratic politicians are expected to start positioning themselves for the 2028 race soon.
With President Biden stepping down and Vice President Harris facing a sound defeat in the recent election, the road to the 2028 nomination appears wide open. Political strategist Chris Moyer predicts that a range of candidates will soon begin maneuvering and making visits to key states like New Hampshire and South Carolina.
As the results of the 2026 midterm elections will heavily influence the 2028 race, potential Democratic candidates are already being discussed. Here are some politicians who are considered possible contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination:
– Governor Gavin Newsom of California: A prominent surrogate for President Biden, Newsom has been active in efforts to counter the incoming Trump administration. His second term as governor will end around the start of the 2028 election cycle.
– Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois: Pritzker has been working to protect Illinois from potential Trump policies and was a high-profile surrogate for Biden in the 2024 cycle. He must first decide if he will run for a third term in Illinois in 2026.
– Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan: Whitmer gained national attention in 2020 for her response to the pandemic and a foiled kidnapping attempt. She was a leading surrogate for Biden and Harris in the 2024 cycle and is term-limited as governor.
– Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania: Shapiro was on Harris’ shortlist for vice president and has a track record of taking on the Trump administration. He will be up for re-election in 2026.
– Governor Wes Moore of Maryland: A rising star in the Democratic Party, Moore is a veteran, Rhodes Scholar, and CEO of a charitable organization. He will be up for re-election in 2026.
– Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg: Buttigieg, who exceeded expectations in the 2020 presidential race, was a very active surrogate for Biden and Harris in the 2024 cycle. He is considered one of the party’s brightest stars.
– Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky: Beshear, who won re-election in red-state Kentucky, was also considered for Harris’ running mate and served as the state’s attorney general.
– Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia: Warnock, who won his Senate seat in a special election, is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party.
As the Democratic Party begins its soul-searching and looks towards the future, these potential candidates are already making moves to position themselves for the 2028 presidential race.
