Three prominent Democrats, widely seen as leading candidates for the 2028 presidential nomination, gathered at a key Democratic summit. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker attended the Democratic National Committee’s annual winter meeting, which kicked off on Thursday in Los Angeles.
The primary aim for the hundreds of party members at this meeting is to celebrate the party’s recent success in the 2025 elections, while also gearing up through training for the upcoming midterm elections next year. But, with less than a year to go before the unofficial commencement of the next presidential race, tensions are expected to rise over the timing of the presidential nomination calendar for 2028.
Ray Buckley, who has long been involved with the New Hampshire Democratic Party and sits on the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, mentioned that while the focus is mainly on 2026, there is certainly a keen interest in 2028 as well. He described the conference as an opportunity for notable Democratic figures to present their visions.
Committee members see the appearances of Harris, Newsom, and Pritzker as early indicators of their potential aspirations. One anonymous member noted that this conference helps set a positive tone aimed at winning in 2026 and beginning to strategize for 2028.
Harris, who stepped back from a possible gubernatorial run in California, hinted at her presidential ambitions in an interview, saying, “I’m not done yet.” Newsom, when questioned about considering a presidential bid after the midterms, seemed to agree, commenting that anyone who claims otherwise is simply not being truthful. Meanwhile, Pritzker expressed openness to a presidential run, noting that he couldn’t dismiss the idea.
All three figures are seasoned Democrats, yet many others are also contemplating candidacies for 2028. Individuals like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and various senators are actively visiting early voting states and participating in the ongoing campaign environment.
The overarching goal for Democrats is to strengthen their presence in the House and potentially the Senate during the 2026 midterms, with heavy campaigning expected from those eyeing the next presidential election in 2028. Buckley observed that many potential candidates recognize the significance of winning not only legislative majorities but also supporting candidates throughout the ballot.
