The countdown to the 2028 elections stands at about 1,200 days. Among the potential candidates is California Governor Gavin Newsom, while more directly, Senator Reuben Gallego (D-Ariz.) has already declared his intent to run for the White House. Although it’s a bit early to pinpoint the key issues for voters or the eventual candidates, history indicates that concerns around perceived government corruption are likely to take center stage.
For years, Trump has echoed the theme of “draining the swamp.” Each of his campaigns has capitalized on this sentiment, which resonates with many voters.
The American National Election Study—a significant political science survey conducted over several years—has shown a marked rise in the number of Americans viewing government officials as corrupt since the early 2000s. The increase between 2012 and 2016 was particularly significant; it reflected a growing distrust in government.
Typically, parties not in power can leverage this distrust among voters who perceive corruption in government. Despite the numerous allegations against Trump, his administration managed to attract a considerable segment of these voters in the 2020 election. Over recent years, he also had supporters who were concerned about corruption in both the 2016 and 2024 elections.
The upcoming 2028 election presents a chance for Republicans, who currently hold the presidency, while Democrats will need to craft a message addressing corruption to win back voters who feel disillusioned. This task is crucial—not just for Democratic aspirations, but for the vitality of American democracy, which thrives on vigorous debate among political sides.
One potential strategy for Democrats could be to spotlight corruption within the private sector. Research from 2020 suggested that voters concerned about corruption in business were less likely to support Trump compared to those focused on government corruption.
Some Democratic leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), have already started to adopt this anti-corruption narrative. Recently, Ocasio-Cortez remarked during a discussion in Idaho that “the concentration of extreme power, greed, and corruption” has never been more prevalent.
Even Democrats not traditionally aligned with the party’s left wing, like Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), are tying issues of private sector corruption to the Trump administration. In a speech, Murphy criticized a plan by the State Department to significantly increase purchases from Tesla, labeling it part of a broader trend of corruption during Trump’s first term.
The Georgia Senate race next year may provide an ideal testing ground for a corruption-focused message. Previously, Senator John Ossoff (D-Ga.) made corruption a focal point of his campaign, asserting his opposition to the “deep corruption” under the Trump administration and its allies. With Georgia’s role as a swing state, Ossoff’s approach might reveal how effective corruption discussions can be in sway voters. Additionally, should he win reelection, Ossoff could emerge as a contender for the 2028 presidential race.
Ultimately, whether it’s Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez focusing on corporate corruption or Ossoff and Murphy linking private industry to Trump’s legacy, Democrats aiming for success in the 2028 race should prioritize developing a corruption narrative that resonates with voters.
