With the 2026 midterm elections over, attention in the United States is turning to the next presidential race, and a wide field of Democrats is beginning to position itself for 2028. No candidate has formally entered and no clear frontrunner has emerged, but governors, senators and former national candidates are already visiting early voting states, raising money and building profiles.
FAKTA: Democrats’ potential 2028 candidates
- What: Democrats are positioning for the November 2028 presidential election; no one has formally declared a candidacy.
- Governors in focus: Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Gavin Newsom of California, JB Pritzker of Illinois and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.
- Former national candidates: Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris.
- Senators mentioned: Mark Kelly of Arizona and Jon Ossoff of Georgia, plus Ruben Gallego, Chris Murphy and Cory Booker.
- Republicans: Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio lead the field.
- Status: No formal campaign announcements have been made for the November 2028 election.
The governors leading the early field
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has drawn national attention by winning twice in heavily Republican Kentucky. He chairs the Democratic Governors Association this year, his committee holds more than $2 million, and he has visited Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina and hinted at a run in September.
California Governor Gavin Newsom released a memoir in February, has visited the same early states and holds almost $7 million in his committee. In September he told CNN he would not run if Kamala Harris, who lost to Donald Trump in 2024, entered the race.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has visited early nominating states, has not ruled out a bid, won re-election on 3 November and has urged Democrats to act aggressively once they take Congress in January. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro released a memoir this year, launched a federal political action committee in October and won re-election on 3 November by a wide margin, as his party took state control.
Former candidates and senators
Pete Buttigieg, who ran unsuccessfully for the nomination in 2020 and later served as transportation secretary under Joe Biden, has hinted at another campaign, visiting early states and building a large war chest.
Kamala Harris has been the most open about another attempt after losing to Trump in 2024. She has strong name recognition and polls well among Democrats, although her previous defeat could count against her with primary voters.
Among senators, Arizona’s Mark Kelly has collected more than $26 million in his congressional campaign committee, and his NASA astronaut and Navy pilot background boosts his profile. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has gained attention after a decisive re-election win, but has denied interest in the presidency.
The wider field takes shape
New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a leading progressive figure, says she will decide after the midterms. Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel is considering a run, arguing the party needs stronger leadership from its moderate wing.
For now the contest remains wide open. More coverage of the United States and world politics is on Watan News.
