Democrats are gearing up for the 2028 presidential election. They see potential advantages due to President Trump’s current low approval ratings and economic concerns among voters.
While Republicans may struggle due to Trump’s influence, Democrats lack a clear frontrunner. This open field invites many candidates to consider running.
Key Democratic Contenders for 2028
Here are the leading Democratic contenders for the 2028 presidential race.
1. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY)
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is emerging as a strong candidate for the Democratic nomination. Despite doubts about her national appeal, Ocasio-Cortez possesses significant political strengths. Charismatic and connected with voters, she continues to be a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. Known for her transparency, Ocasio-Cortez regularly updates voters through video messages. Her willingness to adapt her team and engage with reporters keeps her in the spotlight.
2. California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gov. Gavin Newsom is a prominent competitor for the Democratic front-runner position. Known for his public opposition to Trump, Newsom represents a populous state and has made significant efforts to broaden his appeal. He shares his personal experiences in his memoir, seeking to connect with a variety of voters. Newsom is well-positioned financially for a presidential campaign, though concerns remain about his appeal in more diverse regions.
3. Sen. Jon Ossoff (Ga.)
Sen. Jon Ossoff stands out in the current midterm cycle as a Democratic rising star. Despite being in a challenging race in Georgia, Ossoff holds a strong lead over his GOP opponent. His appeal partly comes from his polished campaign videos, drawing comparisons to former President Obama. Ossoff’s viability relies on his ability to withstand a national campaign’s stress.
4. Former Vice President Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is a significant force in early polls for 2028. Though her previous presidential bid ended in defeat, her name recognition keeps her at the forefront. She is carefully navigating her involvement in the midterms. Harris holds historical significance as the first Black South Asian vice president. Her strong base among Black voters is an advantage, notably with the primary in South Carolina.
5. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Pete Buttigieg exceeded expectations in the 2020 primaries. As a well-educated former mayor, Buttigieg frequently engages with a variety of media outlets. However, he needs to solidify his core beliefs and improve his standing with Black voters to be a formidable candidate.
6. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
Gov. JB Pritzker is a vocal opponent of Trump and criticizes the economic impact of Trump’s policies. A wealthy individual, Pritzker can fund his campaign independently. His challenge lies in surpassing the contenders above him in the rankings.
7. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
Gov. Josh Shapiro offers significant appeal as a popular governor in a key swing state. His potential extends to other pivotal regions like Wisconsin and Michigan. However, his foreign policy positions may conflict with the more progressive elements of his party.
8. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (Md.)
Sen. Chris Van Hollen could benefit if Ocasio-Cortez opts out of running. Van Hollen could connect with mainstream and progressive voters, appealing to those wary of more extreme candidates.
9. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Rahm Emanuel is active in media circles, advocating for a shift from identity politics. However, his political background may not align with the current Democratic Party’s direction.
10. Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.)
Admired for his communication skills, Sen. Chris Murphy addresses economic issues and appeals across the left-center spectrum. Navigating a crowded field presents a significant challenge for his candidacy.
Other potential candidates include Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Rep. Ro Khanna. Govs. Wes Moore and Gretchen Whitmer, despite indicating they are not running, remain possible candidates if they change their minds.