Democrats are still reeling from the defeat of Kamala Harris in last November’s elections as they contemplate the implications of Trump’s second term.
Currently, the Democratic Party appears to lack strong leadership, but that’s likely to shift as we distance ourselves from the recent election.
At this point, the landscape for the 2028 presidential race seems quite open. Yet, some notable Democrats are already starting to lay the groundwork for their bids.
This Sunday, various Republican candidates were ranked by The Hill.
Now, let’s take a look at where prominent Democratic candidates stand.
1. Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
The California governor has been vocally critical of Trump in recent weeks, possibly leveraging his political stance in a state that has turned more blue. He has a knack for provoking Trump on social media, often highlighting the president’s exaggerated rhetoric.
Recently, he even launched a line of merchandise that mimics Trump’s iconic red hats, featuring slogans like, “Newsom is right about everything,” and proudly claims that “many people say this is the biggest product ever made.”
But there’s more than just social media theatrics. In a recent public forum, he suggested that Trump might consider running for a third, unconstitutional term, labeling the former president as “the most destructive and damaging individual of my lifetime.”
This edgy approach seems to be working for Newsom. Recent polling from Emerson College shows him leading among Democratic voters, significantly outpacing major competitors like Harris and former Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
However, skepticism remains about his appeal in the Rust Belt and the viability of a stereotypically Californian candidate in crucial swing states.
2. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Representative from New York
If Democrats are looking to inject generational change into the party, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (often referred to as AOC) might be the choice. She embodies a shift to the left that many see as necessary.
Though her progressive views have turned many Republican voters against her, even some sympathetic individuals appreciate her charisma and willingness to confront the GOP.
At just 35 years old, Ocasio-Cortez stands out as a leading voice for her generation and boasts a substantial social media following.
Her platform includes policies like Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and the abolition of ICE, marking a distinctly leftward shift. Would this inspire the kind of excitement among voters that’s been lacking since the Obama era?
Opponents on the right certainly view her as a rallying point. But her rallies with Senator Bernie Sanders earlier this year indicate strong support among progressives.
3. Kamala Harris, Former Vice President
Harris is gearing up for a book tour to promote her memoir titled “107 Days,” which reflects on her truncated campaign after Biden backed out of the 2024 race.
This will serve as a barometer for her appeal within the party.
Despite her notable background as a senator and a high-profile candidate, Harris remains more of a puzzle. Her 2020 campaign started strong but lost momentum over time, and her performance during the recent election cycle was mixed, particularly her demeanor during the key debate with Trump.
If she decides to run again, it may hinge on whether Democrats rally around her or think it’s time for a change.
4. Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
Governor Wes Moore has found himself in an unusual spot recently, as Trump claimed to have called him “the biggest president of my life” during a football game, which Moore smirked at on social media.
Moore has also engaged with Trump online, taking a more measured approach—think of it as Newsom’s style but less overtly combative. At the age of 46, he represents some of the generational change that Ocasio-Cortez embodies without leaning entirely left.
While he’s not widely known yet, his lack of experience at a national level could be an obstacle.
5. JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker has also been a vocal opponent of Trump, particularly opposing the notion of deploying troops to Chicago without a legitimate crisis. He called such actions “illegal and unconstitutional,” and criticized Trump for exploiting crises.
Pritzker, known for his wealth—reported to be around $3.9 billion—may have a financial advantage when it comes to campaign funds. Yet this wealth could also be a liability, making it hard for him to connect with working-class voters.
6. Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been viewed as a rising star in the party. Recently, however, she has opted for a less confrontational stance against Trump compared to some peers.
She recently went viral for using folders to shield her face from photographers during a Trump event, which was not received well. Yet, she maintains that her primary focus is addressing the interests of Michiganders.
Her wins in key battlegrounds make her appealing to Democratic insiders, but it remains to be seen whether her gender might pose challenges for nomination after previous losses by female candidates.
7. Pete Buttigieg, Former Transport Secretary
Pete Buttigieg excels in media interactions and resonates particularly well with highly educated, affluent Democratic voters. Surprising many in the prior cycle, he performed quite well during the primaries.
However, with only his time as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, on his résumé, some questions remain about his appeal to Black voters, a vital demographic in the party.
8. Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania
The narrative around the 2024 Harris campaign raises questions about Josh Shapiro’s suitability as a vice presidential pick, compared to hers.
As a well-regarded governor in a critical battleground state, Shapiro is ambitious. Nonetheless, he may see challenges given the party’s divisions over Israel. He’s notably pro-Israel, which could put him at odds with shifting sentiments within the Democratic base.
In recent polling, only 15% of Democrats leaned toward Israel, while 44% sided with the Palestinians, a statistic he could find worrying.
9. Chris Murphy, Senator from Connecticut
Senator Chris Murphy presents a well-rounded profile, criticizing Trump while also representing traditional Democratic values. He effectively engages with social media to communicate his messages.
However, he will have a tough competition against well-known figures on this list.
10. Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky
Governor Andy Beshear has made significant strides for Democrats in a deeply Republican state, winning re-election by five points in 2023 after a landslide victory in 2020.
His success comes from bipartisan issues like infrastructure, but he has also taken a firm stance against restrictive abortion laws.
Is Beshear a dark horse for 2028? Possibly. Yet, some may prefer a more progressive, assertive representative.
