Potential Democratic Contenders for the 2028 Presidential Race

As President Donald Trump resumes control in the White House, early political maneuvers for the 2028 presidential election are beginning to emerge among several Democrats eyeing potential candidacies.

This coming weekend, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who recently served as the Democratic vice presidential nominee, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who claims he is not planning a 2028 presidential run, will host separate events in South Carolina, the state designated by the Democratic National Committee to kick off the primary season for their 2024 nomination.

In the following weeks, Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, who previously vied for the presidency in 2020, is set to lead a significant Democratic party dinner in New Hampshire, which has historically held the first presidential primary.

Recently, in Iowa, Pete Buttigieg, the former Democratic presidential hopeful from 2020 who served as Transportation Secretary in the Biden administration, participated in a community gathering with veterans and military families in Cedar Rapids.

The Iowa caucuses have traditionally launched the presidential primaries for both major political parties for over half a century until the DNC adjusted the 2024 calendar.

Another name to watch is two-term Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who delivered the keynote address at a significant state party fundraising event in New Hampshire last month.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who is in his second term, has also indicated he might consider a race for the presidency if he believes he can effectively unite the country.

Progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York has garnered significant attention in recent months, co-hosting numerous substantial rallies with notable progressive figure Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, further fueling speculation about a potential run in 2028.

The Democratic Party has found itself in a challenging position since last November’s electoral setbacks, where Republicans regained control of both the White House and the Senate and managed to defend their fragile majority in the House. Notably, Republicans have made inroads among Black and Hispanic voters, as well as younger demographics which have traditionally supported Democrats.

Following Trump’s return to power, an increasingly motivated base of Democrats is calling on party leaders to adopt a more assertive stance against Trump’s far-reaching and contentious agenda during the early days of his second term.

Democrats are not just focusing on the upcoming midterm elections, where they hope to make substantial gains, but are also looking ahead to the future presidential race.

Considering the current climate, Democratic strategist Chris Moyer expressed that the atmosphere among Democrats has shifted. He stated that reflecting on potential presidential candidates helps foster a sense of hope for a future beyond Trump’s influence. Moyer believes the race for the nomination is wide open, indicating that voters can soon expect to see a plethora of candidates emerge.

The results of the 2026 midterm elections will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of the upcoming presidential race.

Now, let’s explore 21 Democrats considered as notable potential contenders leading into the 2028 election.

Post-Biden administration, former Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly picking up momentum. Recently, she led a major Democratic National Committee fundraising event in New York City, with another upcoming engagement in San Francisco.

Among her options, Harris is contemplating a run for the open governor’s seat in California in 2026 and potentially a presidential bid in 2028. A source close to Harris confirmed that she plans to decide by the summer whether to pursue a gubernatorial campaign.

Harris, who has previously served as San Francisco’s district attorney, California’s attorney general, and a U.S. Senator, is perceived as a frontrunner for the governor’s role in the heavily Democratic state, succeeding the term-limited Gavin Newsom.

However, early surveys regarding the 2028 nomination reveal that Harris maintains a leading position, largely due to her high name recognition within the party.

While several voices within the party are keen to distance themselves from the Biden/Harris administration, Trump’s unconventional methods have redefined expectations for previously unsuccessful candidates seeking another shot at the presidency. Any potential dissatisfaction with a second Trump term could work to Harris’s advantage as she navigates her political future.

Ocasio-Cortez recently turned 35, the minimum age to run for the presidency, marking a significant milestone for her potential candidacy. Advocates within the party argue that a dynamic and influential figure is essential for the next Democratic nominee, and Ocasio-Cortez certainly commands attention if she chooses to run.

Speculation continues about whether Ocasio-Cortez may challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer during his re-election in 2028.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was a prominent supporter for Biden during the president’s re-election campaign, engaged in appearances in key early voting states such as New Hampshire and South Carolina last year. After Harris ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket, Newsom resumed efforts to keep Trump out of the White House.

Newsom has also moderated his stance on certain issues, engaging with Trump allies on various platforms, while steering California’s Democratic-dominated legislature towards creating measures aimed at counteracting Trump’s policies in the state.

The 57-year-old Newsom’s term ends next year, coinciding with the growing intensity surrounding the 2028 presidential campaign.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, actively opposing Trump’s administration, has been vocal in protecting his state’s interests and has emerged as a significant figure within the Democratic Party’s resistance.

In recent speeches, Pritzker emphasized his dedication to safeguarding the interests of Illinois citizens from what he describes as detrimental policies from Trump’s administration. His recent trip to New Hampshire has stirred additional conversations surrounding a possible presidential run.

Younger figures like two-term Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer gained prominence during her spat with Trump over COVID-19 federal assistance. Whitmer made substantial contributions to Biden and Harris’s campaigns and generated considerable excitement among Democratic bases.

However, she faces criticism from some peers for perceived closeness to Trump, following a visit to the White House earlier this year.

Pennsylvania’s first-term Governor Josh Shapiro was once considered for the vice presidential slot. Although he remains a central figure for his party during the 2024 campaign, his recent visit to New Hampshire raised eyebrows regarding potential 2028 aspirations.

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear, who won re-election in 2023, has made headlines lately. He expressed a willingness to contemplate a presidential run if he believes he can unite the country effectively.

Georgia’s Senator Raphael Warnock and New Jersey’s Senator Cory Booker also stand as influential politicians, both up for re-election in 2028.

Senator Chris Murphy, known for advocating strategies to win back working-class voters, continues to resonate with constituents since his impressive re-election campaign.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, who previously held a successful campaign in 2020, remains a strong contender for a future presidential bid, underscoring her enduring support.

California’s Tim Walz and other rising stars like Mark Cuban, the NBA owner and business mogul, are also part of the 2028 dialogue, showcasing the diverse landscape of potential Democratic candidates poised to reshape the future of the party.

As preparations intensify, the next few years will be crucial for these figures seeking to emerge as viable candidates in the ever-evolving political arena.

Looking Ahead: The Landscape of Democratic Contenders for 2028

The 2028 presidential race is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, with a diverse array of potential candidates emerging from the Democratic Party. Their ability to connect with the electorate, articulate a compelling vision, and stand firmly against Trump’s agenda will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the party’s direction and the candidate’s viability.

As the nation reflects on the tumultuous political climate, the dynamics surrounding these candidates will continue to evolve, sparking conversations both within the Democratic Party and among the American electorate about the future of governance in the United States.