Several well-known Democrats are raising their profiles nationally as they participate in events this year, potentially gearing up for the 2028 presidential election.
Arizona Senator Reuben Gallego is a notable participant, scheduled to address “The Struggle of Working Class Americans” at a Town Hall in Bucks County, Pennsylvania on May 10. Some Democratic insiders see him as a strong contender for the upcoming presidential race. Gallego has previously held a House seat in Phoenix from 2015 to 2025 before winning his Senate seat in November 2024 with 50.1% of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Kari Lake.
While Gallego’s office did not provide a comment, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is also in the spotlight. He’s set to speak at the Blue Palmetto dinner in South Carolina on May 30, but he firmly stated he has no plans to run for president in 2028, emphasizing his focus on ensuring Maryland’s growth during his governorship.
Meanwhile, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is reportedly hosting a Town Hall event with the Voting Vets Action Fund in Iowa on May 13. This will be his first public appearance since January, and speculation is rising about a potential presidential run, especially after his recent remarks hinting at a Senate bid in Michigan for 2026.
Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also spoke recently, addressing party members in New Hampshire and urging them to participate in protests against Republicans. Though he’s focused on seeking re-election in 2026, there are growing murmurs about a possible presidential run in 2028.
Kamala Harris, former Vice President, has surfaced as a potential candidate for 2028, although there are rumored considerations for her to run for California governor in 2026. Some Senate Democrats seem doubtful about her chances for another presidential bid, with one anonymous senator expressing outright opposition.
As Democrats aim to regain Congressional control in the 2026 midterms and target the White House in 2028, they’re facing significant hurdles, including low approval ratings and the aftermath of costly losses in the recent 2024 elections.
Political analyst John Heileman remarked in a November 2024 podcast that the Republican party is being viewed increasingly as representing the working class, posing a challenge for Democrats heading into the next election cycle.
