Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Already Test Driving 2028
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At least 10 high-profile Democrats have taken measures like initiating fundraisers and attending rallies, sparking speculation that they may run for president in 2028.
Democrats have been divided in the wake of then-Vice President Kamala Harris' loss to Donald Trump in the November presidential 2024 election.
Some blamed her loss on the party alienating moderate voters, while others claimed the party had not been progressive enough. Whoever emerges as the party's next leader will have to deal with the divisions.
Most candidates do not announce presidential runs until after the midterm elections, so whether or not these lawmakers formally declare their intention to stand for the role will become clearer then.
Newsweek has compiled a list of lawmakers who might emerge as candidates in the next couple years. Newsweek contacted representatives for these politicians by email for comment.
Gavin Newsom, California governor
Newsom toured South Carolina last week, likely to be a key Democratic primary state. On the first day of his two-day tour, he was introduced by Representative Jim Clyburn, who said he was "welcoming these candidates who are running for president," though Newsom has not confirmed that he will run.
Newsom, thus far, has been among the leading candidates in most polls of the 2028 primary.
Wes Moore, Maryland governor
Moore headlined the South Carolina Democratic Party's influential Blue Palmetto Dinner in May and has also spoken in Pennsylvania, a swing state.
However, he has said on multiple occasions he won't run. In March, when asked about whether he would run by CNN, he said he was focused on serving his state.
Tim Walz, Minnesota governor
Walz, who was Harris' running mate in 2024, may set his sights a little higher in 2028.
In May, he headlined a Democratic state convention in South Carolina. He has also hosted town halls in a number of states, including Wisconsin and Texas.
When asked in March if he would consider a run, he told The New Yorker: "Well, I had a friend tell me, 'Never turn down a job you haven't been offered,'" Walz said. "If I think I could offer something...I would certainly consider that. I'm also, though, not arrogant enough to believe there's a lot of people that can do this."
If the circumstances are right in 2028 and he has the right "skill set" for the moment, Walz said, "I'll do it."
In April, however, he told CNN he was "not thinking about running in 2028."
Andy Beshear, Kentucky governor
Beshear, a rare Democrat to govern a traditionally Republican state, is scheduled to tour South Carolina this week. According to the Associated Press, he will try to appeal to moderate Republicans and Black voters and make a case for progressive politics in his speech.
Beshear, who was once viewed as a potential VP choice for Harris, told NBC News on Sunday that he may "take a look" at launching a presidential bid.
"I would have never considered this a couple years ago, but I will not leave a broken country to my kids or to anyone else's," he said. "And so if...I believe that I can heal the country, then I'll take a look at it."
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear delivers his State of the Commonwealth address in the House chamber at the State Capitol in Frankfort on January 8, 2025.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear delivers his State of the Commonwealth address in the House chamber at the State Capitol in Frankfort on January 8, 2025.
AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File
Ruben Gallego, Arizona senator
Gallego, a Marine veteran and Arizona's first Latino U.S. senator, has gained traction among some voters and is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party in the battleground state.
He visited Pennsylvania, another battleground state, in May, and told reporters that whenever a politician has run for Congress, Senate or governor and has protested speculation that they are running for president "they're lying to you."
"Of course I've thought of it," he said, though he said he was not focused on 2028 at that point.
He is also slated to attend the Iowa State Fair in August, which is likely to fuel speculation that he will run for president as Iowa is seen as a classic presidential campaign stop.
Pete Buttigieg, President Joe Biden's transportation secretary
Buttigieg gave an update in May about whether he's running for president, after a trip to Iowa fueled speculation that he may be inching toward a run. While speaking recently with Anand Giridharadas on Substack, Buttigieg said he is assessing "the office and what it calls for."
"The other thing you're mapping against all of that is...your life. I mean the stakes are always high for somebody thinking about running for visible political office, but they're fundamentally different when you've got a spouse and kids. Having kids can motivate you to run, but it can also motivate you to spend more time at home," Buttigieg said.
Recent polls have suggested that he may be the Democrats' favored candidate.
J.B. Pritzker, Illinois governor
Prizker has toured multiple states and has appeared on numerous cable news channels in recent months. In April, he delivered the keynote address at the New Hampshire Democratic Party's McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner.
In June, he announced he was running for a third term as governor. However, it is possible to hold office while running for president. He could also step down and give the role to the lieutenant governor.
Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania governor
Shapiro has long been considered a potential presidential candidate. The swing-state governor was a finalist to be Harris' running mate
In June, he was among the top Democratic candidates for president in 2028, according to a new Emerson College poll.
Cory Booker, New Jersey senator
Booker stirred presidential speculation when he delivered a 25-hour filibuster speech in April. The longest Senate speech in U.S. history raised his profile, increased his standing in some polls and caused pollster Frank Luntz to position him as "one of the leaders for the Democratic Party for 2028."
Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan governor
Whitmer, a vocal Trump critic and a finalist to be Biden's VP pick in 2020, has attracted the support of some Democrats who want her to run in 2028.
Whitmer appeals to moderate and progressive factions of the Democratic Party and could be seen as a candidate who could attract the support of independents and undecideds.
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