Who will run in 2028? Seven potential Democratic candidates

As the 2024 presidential race comes to a close with a Donald Trump A victory that could well mean a realignment of the American electorate Democratic Party will likely be forced to reconsider its strategy, policies and values ​​in the coming years.

After an election night that brought only bad news Kamala Harris, the associated press declared Trump the winner of the race overnight, having secured the necessary 270 Electoral College votes to return to the White House. At the time this article was published, Trump had 277 Electoral College votes and 51.0 percent of the vote, compared to Harris’ 224 Electoral College votes and 47.5 percent of the vote.

While it is still too early to say what will happen in the next four years and in 2028, it is worth thinking about who will be the figure that will embody this change. Democratsin an attempt to stage a comeback for a party that is now licking its wounds.

Here’s a list of possible 2028 Democratic presidential candidates, based on names that emerged while he was president Joe Biden withdrew from the race earlier this year, as did other high-profile Democrats.

Although Harris could try to win the presidency again in 2028, we have not included her in the following list because we currently believe that her candidacy would be unlikely after the painful defeat of this election.

Gavin Newsom

The 57-year-old California governor has sought a national stage for years, and after Biden’s poor performance in his only debate against Trump earlier this year, he was rumored to be a potential candidate for the presidential ticket. Although Newsom has not put his name forward and endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee, it is still believed the ambitious two-term governor will reach for the White House at some point in his career.

In California, Newsom is known for his progressive policies on gun control and environmental issues, although he has recently abandoned some of his most progressive political positions to appeal to swing voters and to address persistent problems such as rising homelessness in the Golden State to be resolved.

Although his popularity has risen nationally in recent years, Californians have soured on his leadership, especially as they worry about the state’s large budget deficit. A January poll by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies found that 47 percent of registered voters in California disapproved of Newsom’s leadership, while 46 percent approved.

Gretchen Whitmer

The 53-year-old governor of Michigan found himself in much the same position as Newsom after Biden’s catastrophic presidential debate against Trump. Like Newsom, Whitmer was rumored to be a good candidate to replace Biden, but quickly said she would not seek the nomination but would instead support Harris.

Whitmer gained national attention thanks to her strict lockdown guidelines during the COVID-19 health emergency. She is also known as an advocate for stricter gun safety laws and abortion rights. As governor of a key swing state, Whitmer appeals to both moderate and progressive factions of the Democratic Party and could be seen as a candidate who could win support from independents and undecideds.

Wes Moore

The 46-year-old governor of Maryland — the third Black governor elected in the country — was a fierce defender of Biden after the infamous first presidential debate and tried to push Black voters to vote for Democrats.

Moore has attracted national attention after pardoning 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions in Maryland, in what he called “the most sweeping state-level pardon in any state in American history.”

Although he was also discussed as a potential replacement for Biden, Moore strongly stated at the time that he would not have sought the nomination. As the nation’s youngest Democratic governor, Moore could have the potential to rejuvenate the Democratic Party’s electorate and attract Black voters lost to Trump in the 2024 election.

Pete Buttigieg

The 42-year-old former Navy officer and one of the Democratic Party’s biggest and brightest young stars is considered the most influential figure in Joe Biden’s Cabinet. As Transportation Secretary, Buttigieg has faced a series of thorny crises over the past four years, including several strikes and incidents, which have drawn harsh criticism from the administration. Republican Party and even an impeachment attempt.

Despite these difficulties, Buttigieg has maintained his popularity among Democrats and is a national figure thanks to his appearances on Fox News and conservative news outlets, which have made him known as a great communicator and representative of the party.

As an openly gay politician, Buttigieg would also represent a change for the Democratic Party that would be welcomed by its most progressive factions.

Josh Shapiro

Shapiro, a beloved figure in a crucial state that backed Trump this year, could also be a strong candidate for the 2028 presidential election. The 51-year-old governor of Pennsylvania was reportedly considered by Harris as her running mate for the presidential ticket, but it was said that he was too ambitious and too heavy a political figure to be chosen by the vice president.

As a moderate who values ​​social justice and defends democracy, Shapiro could appeal to both Democrats and the disenfranchised. Republicans concerned about Trump’s election denial.

J.B. Pritzker

The 59-year-old governor of Illinois, a billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotel empire, could easily finance a campaign for the White House and there were signs, after Biden’s disastrous debate earlier this year, that he was prepared to to go one step further. the national stage.

Pritzker is best known for signing a historic bill that will increase the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 per hour by 2025, for his action to hold gun manufacturers accountable for the gun violence caused by unsafe marketing practices, and for his defense of abortion rights in the stands. . This year, the governor signed several bills expanding reproductive rights in Illinois, and his nonprofit Think Big America tried to help states with a ballot question on abortion rights advance their initiatives.

These issues – gun safety, minimum wages and abortion rights – are all issues that are likely to appeal to Democratic voters at the national level.

Ruben Gallego

Gallego, another rising young star of the Democratic Party, could be a wild card for the 2028 presidential race. The 44-year-old Arizona representative is now running for office in the state Senate approved against Trump Kari Lakean election denier who lost the governor’s race to the Democrat Katie Hobbs in 2022.

As a former Marine, Gallego has broad appeal among veterans and working-class families — a segment of Democrats who would have to work hard to win back. The congressman also has the support of Latino voters, a growing force in the swing state of Arizona and one that is expected to weigh heavily in future presidential races.

Gallego is also fierce in his attacks on the MAGA movement and would be a good match against a possible candidacy of the newly elected vice president. J.D. Vanceas a potential race between the two would see a showdown between two young, articulate nominees.