Pete Buttigieg has been making the rounds in early 2028, after announcing his intention to run for governor and senator in 2026.
This October, he’s set to speak at the Michigan Democrats’ Best of the West event.
The former mayor and cabinet secretary is also working on a book, which seems to be one of those must-haves for presidential hopefuls.
Sources indicate that since stepping down as Transport Secretary under President Biden, he’s kept a relatively low profile.
While many view Buttigieg as a potential candidate for president again, some within the Democratic party have doubts about his chances. A seasoned Democratic strategist pointed out that his relationship with the Black community is a significant concern. “He hasn’t had much support from African Americans since his mayoral days. His previous presidential bid lacked black backing, and I’m not seeing efforts to remedy that,” they mentioned.
An Emerson College poll from late June highlights his ongoing struggles with Black voters; shockingly, 0% of Black respondents indicated support for him if he were to seek the presidential nomination again in 2028.
“Without the backing of Black women, that Democratic nomination is a tough hill to climb,” the strategist added.
Despite these challenges, Buttigieg still remains a prominent figure in the party as it looks ahead to 2028.
After notable losses in the 2024 presidential election, Democrats are realizing they need candidates who can engage working-class voters and independents effectively.
Chris Meagher, an advisor to Buttigieg, stated, “Since leaving office, Pete has been keen to hear from people directly, getting into deep discussions about their realities and key issues.”
He mentioned that they’re experimenting with formats like Q&As and engaging on various social media platforms to connect with both individuals online and offline.
However, some political observers are skeptical about whether Buttigieg can address the party’s pressing issues.
Julian Zelizer, a professor at Princeton, noted, “Democrats are searching for someone who resonates with working voters, including Black and Latino voters, as well as rural constituents.”
He added, “There’s a sense that many Democrats don’t think he can bridge those gaps. He embodies a more Obama-era style, which might not align perfectly with today’s needs.”
But despite these hurdles, Buttigieg is in a strong position as the 2028 primaries approach.
For example, the same Emerson poll hinted at his leading status amid a crowded field, which includes names like California’s Gavin Newsom and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer. In contrast, Harris recently announced her decision not to run for governor of California next year.
One Democratic donor commented, “It’s notable that he’s ahead of figures like Newsom and Harris, though not just because he is in front of them.”
This donor expressed satisfaction with how Buttigieg has been candid in recent interviews about the shortcomings within his party.
In a recent NPR interview, he remarked, “I’m frustrated with the status quo that has been failing us for too long.” He also weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding trans athletes, a hot topic relevant to Newsom earlier in the year.
Buttigieg opined, “There’s a real fairness issue at play when discussing trans athletes competing in women’s sports; I think most reasonable people can see that.”
In previous discussions, he emphasized the necessity for Democrats to offer a positive alternative to Trump rather than merely opposing him. He also criticized former Trump administration officials for mishandling sensitive information regarding Yemen’s military operations.
Still, some aspects of his previous role as Transport Secretary may impact his 2028 campaign. Criticism arose over his delayed response to the environmental and health crisis following the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which happened in March 2023, and even earlier issues related to air travel.
A donor predicted, “Those controversies will likely resurface.”
Nevertheless, Democrats believe Buttigieg can highlight various achievements from his time in office, including his involvement in the Biden administration’s trillion-dollar Infrastructure Act.
“He’s brought numerous valuable stories that demonstrate his capability for top-tier roles,” said strategist Christy Setzer. “People might not always notice the intricacies of effective governance, but they certainly remember when flights aren’t constantly grounded.”
Another consideration raised is how Buttigieg’s sexuality could impact voter perception. If he succeeds in 2028, he would be the first openly gay president.
Reflecting on past losses in 2024 and 2016, many Democrats speculate if Buttigieg’s nomination could change the narrative. “It’s unfortunate, but I believe diversity will become a focal point in the next Democratic race,” noted the veteran strategist. “While many in the party might not prioritize it, after the experiences with Clinton and Harris, there’s a concern that swing voters care deeply about such issues.”
