The Democratic Party is currently undergoing a period of reflection and assessment following recent electoral defeats, both in the presidential election and down-ballot races. There is a wave of blame and finger-pointing within the party as they try to determine what went wrong and how to make corrections moving forward. In addition to this, discussions are taking place about who will lead the Democratic Party in the future and potential contenders for the next presidential election in 2028. Recent history has shown that early moves in the presidential race start very early, with campaigns already starting only two months after the previous election.
Potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders include Governor Gavin Newsom of California, who has been a top surrogate for President Biden and was involved in efforts to stop Trump from returning to the White House. Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois is also preparing to protect his state from Trump’s policies, while Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan gained attention for her feud with Trump over COVID assistance and survived a kidnapping attempt. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Congressman Ro Khanna of California, Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico are also potential contenders.
These Democratic politicians have been active in supporting the party during recent election cycles and have gained recognition for their efforts. As the party looks to move on from the Biden/Harris era following Trump’s victory, potential buyers’ remorse of a second Trump administration could influence future elections. The results of the 2026 midterm elections will have a significant impact on the 2028 presidential race, shaping the landscape for potential candidates. Early visits to key early voting states like New Hampshire and South Carolina will be crucial for gaining momentum among Democratic voters.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that California state lawmakers would meet to take legislative action in response to Trump’s potential agenda, indicating his proactive approach to countering the former president. Governor JB Pritzker and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, along with other potential contenders, have also been active in supporting the party and preparing for future elections. Governor Josh Shapiro’s role as a top surrogate for Vice President Harris, despite not being chosen as her running mate, has raised speculation and interest in his potential future plans.
As the Democratic Party looks ahead to the 2028 election, a diverse group of potential candidates is emerging, with a range of backgrounds and experiences. The jockeying for position among these contenders is expected to intensify following the recent electoral setbacks. While Vice President Kamala Harris completes her term in office, other prominent Democratic figures like Governor Wes Moore of Maryland and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are also on the radar as rising stars within the party. The road to the 2028 nomination appears wide open, and the next few years will see increased activity and maneuvering as potential candidates position themselves for a run at the presidency.
