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Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Already Test Driving 2028
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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 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.
The Hill
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
South Carolina becomes early hot spot for potential 2028 candidates
South Carolina is already setting the stage for the shadow 2028 presidential primaries as potential White House hopefuls from both parties travel to the Palmetto State. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) traveled through rural South Carolina during a two-day tour this past week, while Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are expected to head to the state later this month. Over on the Republican side, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) is speaking at a South Carolina GOP fundraiser next month, while Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) recently made trips to South Carolina and Iowa, according to Axios reports. The moves have raised speculation over whether some candidates are laying early groundwork for possible White House bids in 2028 and what role South Carolina will play in the next presidential cycle's calendar. 'I don't read it any other way,' said South Carolina Democratic National Committee (DNC) member Carol Fowler, regarding the high-profile Democrats visiting the state, which was the first official Democratic primary location in 2024. 'I believe that they're at least contemplating it,' she added, referring to potential White House bids. Only months into President Trump's second term, the chatter in political circles is moving fast to 2028. Govs. Wes Moore (D) of Maryland and Tim Walz (D) of Minnesota traveled south in May to participate in the South Carolina state party's Blue Palmetto Dinner and Democratic State Convention, respectively. The two men also appeared at Rep. James Clyburn's (D-S.C.) annual fish fry. Moore has said he's not running for president in 2028. A source close to his campaign noted that the Maryland governor had traveled to the state earlier this year after canceling a trip to South Carolina that had been planned during the 2024 election. The source also noted that the governor visited two companies while he was there regarding potential expansion opportunities in Maryland. Earlier this past week, Newsom traveled to several rural counties in the Palmetto State in an event the state party billed as a way 'to connect directly with communities that have too often been overlooked by Republicans in power.' Beshear, meanwhile, will make multiple stops in the state next week, including participating in a dinner hosted by Georgetown County Democrats and speaking at the South Carolina AFL-CIO Convention. Next week, Khanna is doing a town hall, which the congressman said in a statement to The Hill is part of his 'Benefits Over Billionaires tour to help flip the House in 2026 and hear how Trump and [Vice President] Vance's bill will hurt families already struggling to get by.' Youngkin will speak in August at the state GOP's Silver Elephant Gala. To be sure, South Carolina is not the only early primary state that has received attention from potential 2028 hopefuls. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Iowa earlier this year; Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is heading there next month. Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel is slated to head there in September, according to Axios. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) spoke in April at the New Hampshire Democratic Party McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), who ran for president in 2020 and lost in the primary, campaigned for Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) this past week. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) traveled to the state last year. Out-of-state travel is not unusual, particularly for sitting lawmakers and governors who may be asked to speak at events or fundraisers. Some Democrats don't necessarily think all of these notable names are vying for the White House. The trips could be a way to shore up better support for Democrats in the region. 'They realize that we have to win the South,' South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain said. To win in other places, 'we've got to have an investment of time and resources to get these voters engaged and off the bench so that we can elect more members of Congress, so that we can elect more members of the U.S. Senate,' she explained. Whatever the reason, the early primary state visits have brought 2028 front and center by mid-2025. Some Democrats have acknowledged the visits to the state feel a little earlier than usual. Still, experts in the Palmetto State say there's good reason for potential hopefuls to be crisscrossing the state. 'Running in South Carolina, it helps candidates prove their mettle,' state GOP chair Drew McKissick explained. 'I mean, it's a big enough state to test grassroots support and fuel organization skills and so forth, but it's also small enough to get around and over the course of the day and test your retail skills.' The recent visits to South Carolina have also raised questions about whether it will remain first in Democrats' lineup of early contests for the presidential nomination. The DNC has said it wants to ensure fairness in the process of selecting its early calendar slate. 'The DNC is committed to running a fair, transparent, and rigorous process for the 2028 primary calendar. All states will have an opportunity to participate,' DNC Deputy Communications Director Abhi Rahman said in a statement. But some state party chairs are beginning to weigh in. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart made clear in a statement that she wanted Democrats to reconsider the calendar, as the Hawkeye State has historically enjoyed its status as the first caucus. 'I do expect to have tough and direct conversations with the DNC regarding our Iowa caucuses and the serious concerns surrounding the Biden 2024 calendar,' Hart said. 'National Democrats let Trump get a head start in the 2024 campaign by excluding Iowa. We simply can't afford to be ignored again.' Several Democratic chairs of early presidential primary states, however, suggested that battle could be hard-fought. 'We have a history of picking the nominee, number one … Iowa can't say that. New Hampshire can't say that, and our voters take this very seriously,' said Spain, the South Carolina Democratic Party chair. 'South Carolina's going to be fighting for South Carolina, and I'm assuming that she's doing the same thing for her state.' Spain and other DNC members from South Carolina have had discussions with Democrats running to serve on the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee — or other standing committees — regarding their position on South Carolina and the 2028 primary calendar. The DNC is holding elections for at-large member positions and several standing committees in August, though the Rules and Bylaws Committee is seen as being particularly influential in the nominating calendar process. New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley in a statement said the Granite State's importance 'cannot be understated' and noted that the four-state calendar of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina 'was a system that not only worked, the four early states worked well together.' 'Granite Staters value retail politics and grassroots organizing like no other state. That is why New Hampshire continues to have a pivotal role in the presidential nominating process,' he said. 'The importance of New Hampshire as a purple battleground state cannot be understated in the general election for the White House and building a US Senate and House majority.' Nevada Democrats, however, maintain that their demographics are indicative of the country at-large. 'We're a microcosm of the rest of the U.S., showing this country's diversity of cultures and communities,' Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) told The Hill in a statement. 'If you're a presidential candidate and can win our votes, your message will resonate with voters across the United States.' While the discussion over the calendar is just beginning, Democrats hope the different states can unite as the party prepares to take back the White House. 'I really think Democrats make a mistake if they think this is a fight between four early states,' said New Hampshire-based Democratic strategist Jim Demers, who worked on former President Biden's write-in campaign last year. 'I think we really need to look at what's the best lineup of states so that we come out of the primary process in a very strong position.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to speak at Detroit NAACP dinner later this month
BALTIMORE — Weeks after returning from South Carolina, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore will hit the road again — this time as a featured speaker at the Detroit NAACP Dinner on Sunday, June 29. Moore's senior press secretary, Carter Elliott, told The Baltimore Sun Friday that the governor 'believes it's important as the only Black governor' to speak to 'one of the oldest NAACP chapters in the country.' Elliott added that the governor's reelection campaign funds will cover the cost of his trip to Michigan, meaning Maryland taxpayers are not directly on the hook. Moore has not yet officially filed to run for another term in 2026, but has more than $4 million in cash on hand. Though Moore has publicly maintained he is 'not running' for president in 2028, his Detroit dinner speech marks another appearance in a state with a relatively early and important Democratic primary. In late May, Moore headlined the South Carolina Democratic Party's Blue Palmetto Dinner and attended Rep. Jim Clyburn's 'World Famous Fish Fry' — both historically important events for Democratic candidates seeking to woo the state's large base of Black voters. Michigan is home to auto manufacturing titans like Ford and General Motors, which employ thousands of blue-collar workers whose votes carry considerable weight nationally. More narrowly, the Detroit metropolitan area has a high population of Arab and Muslim Americans who traditionally vote for Democrats but largely soured on the party last year amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Moore told Politico theme of his speech will be 'the work of repair' — perhaps a catch-all term for his economic agenda since taking office in 2023. 'The theme of the speech is going to be the work of repair, and it's really highlighting some of the work we are doing here in the state of Maryland that we're really proud of,' Moore told the outlet. 'There is no state that has moved with a sense of urgency to be able to do the work of repair like the state of Maryland the past two years.' The word 'repair' has been used in a different context by Black Baltimore leaders like Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, who criticized Moore's May 16 veto of a bill that would have studied reparations for slavery in Maryland. The reparations issue prompted a South Carolina lawmaker, state Rep. John King, to call for Moore to be disinvited from the Blue Palmetto Dinner before the governor ultimately headlined the event. Moore's trip to the Detroit NAACP is not his only upcoming appearance that will address issues impacting the Black community. He has said he will visit Maryland's Eastern Shore on Juneteenth next Thursday to announce a plan to end the state's racial wealth gap. ---------------
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wes Moore to highlight ‘work of repair' in Detroit appearance
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) is slated to travel to the battleground state of Michigan later this month, further stoking speculation he is considering a 2028 presidential bid. Moore confirmed to Politico in an interview that he is slated to speak at the Detroit NAACP Dinner on June 29. In an interview with the outlet, Moore said the theme of the speech will be 'the work of repair' and noted he would highlight the work Maryland has done during his administration. 'There is no state that has moved with a sense of urgency to be able to do the work of repair like the state of Maryland the past two years,' Moore said. Moore has said he is not running for president and is focused on his reelection bid next year. Still, Moore's recent trips outside of Maryland have raised eyebrows. Last month, the governor delivered the commencement address at Lincoln University, a historically Black university in the swing state of Pennsylvania. He also traveled to the early Democratic primary state of South Carolina to headline the state Democratic Party's Blue Palmetto Dinner. The governor told Politico 'it's in recognition that I am the only Black governor in the country, and only the third African American ever elected governor in the history of the United States' when asked why he has chosen these states for travel. 'But also, I think it's a recognition of the work that we've done,' Moore added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Wes Moore to highlight ‘work of repair' in Detroit appearance
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) is slated to travel to the battleground state of Michigan later this month, further stoking speculation he is considering a 2028 presidential bid. Moore confirmed to Politico in an interview that he is slated to speak at the Detroit NAACP Dinner on June 29 In an interview with the outlet, Moore said the theme of the speech will be 'the work of repair' and noted he would highlight the work Maryland has done during his administration. 'There is no state that has moved with a sense of urgency to be able to do the work of repair like the state of Maryland the past two years,' Moore said. Moore has said that he is not running for president, but is focused on his reelection bid next year. Still, Moore's recent trips outside of Maryland have raised eyebrows. Last month, the governor delivered the commencement address at Lincoln University, a historically Black university in the swing state of Pennsylvania. He also traveled to the early Democratic primary state of South Carolina to headline the state Democratic Party's Blue Palmetto Dinner. The governor told Politico 'it's in recognition that I am the only Black governor in the country, and only the third African American ever elected governor in the history of the United States' when asked why he has chosen these states for travel. 'But also, I think it's a recognition of the work that we've done,' Moore added.
