The lengthy process of selecting the next Democratic presidential candidate has kicked off, with prospective candidates engaging with party loyalists.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore addressed approximately 800 South Carolina Democrats at the Blue Palmetto Dinner, emphasizing the need to condemn Donald Trump’s reckless actions while also pushing forward the Democratic agenda. He referred to the party as a “Party of Action” that should advocate for policies aimed at quickly improving the lives of Americans.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was the Democratic vice presidential candidate last year, spoke at the South Carolina Democratic event. He suggested that Democrats need to be a bit more assertive in confronting what he described as Trump’s bullying.
Walz then traveled to California to address another Democratic gathering, urging party members to muster the courage to fight for working-class citizens, noting that the party had lost a significant portion of this demographic in the recent elections.
“The last election was a kind of primitive scream,” he remarked.
Neither Moore nor Walz has officially declared their candidacies for the 2028 presidential election, but the Democratic party still has several promising candidates on the horizon.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris might consider another run, potentially from the governor’s office in California in 2026, alongside others like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The Democrats are in search of a winning strategy after the near-miss in last year’s elections, while Republicans are setting their sights on questioning President Biden’s competence—something Biden categorically denies.
I’ve known Biden for many years, and I genuinely believe he has been an effective president. Yet, it seems futile to dwell on his fitness for office; he won’t be running again. The focus for Democrats must be on the future—voters tend to support candidates who promise a better tomorrow.
Trump and Congressional Republicans seem to be mismanaging governance. They endorse policies that jeopardize our freedoms and the rule of law, alongside providing tax breaks favoring the wealthiest while cutting crucial government programs that aid millions.
Their policies include imposing tariffs that result in job loss for thousands of federal workers, higher consumer prices, and diminished U.S. exports, not to mention the adverse effects on diversity and inclusion initiatives that impact health, education, and the broader aspirations of many Americans. They may be compromising our relations with other countries as well, putting U.S. national security in jeopardy with measures like the deportation of one million unauthorized immigrants, often bypassing due process.
Democrats need to communicate how they plan to replace Trump’s extremist policies with comprehensible alternatives. For instance, they could highlight how Republican tax cuts primarily benefit the rich while offering little to the majority.
According to data from the Internal Revenue Service, in 2022, the top 1% paid about 40.4% of federal income taxes, while the top 50% covered 97%. Conversely, the lowest 50% of income earners contributed a mere 3% of taxable income.
This suggests that Trump’s tax cuts provide substantial savings for the wealthiest while barely affecting most Americans.
Additionally, Democrats should recognize that to win elections in swing districts and states, they will often need support from independent and moderate Republicans. They should prioritize defeating Republicans over adhering strictly to ideological beliefs.
Reaching out to young voters and communities of color will also be crucial. Engaging directly tends to be more effective than relying on paid advertisements.
Apart from the speculation surrounding 2028, Democrats must focus on this year’s statewide elections in New Jersey and Virginia, as well as the 2026 midterm elections. Many members of the current House and Senate have former state legislative experience.
Securing at least one seat in the House of Representatives could empower Democrats to block some of Trump’s legislative goals, compel administration officials to testify under oath, and pursue legal actions concerning illegal practices.
Democrats could seize control of the House in 2026. They’ve currently lost it, but there are opportunities for gains, especially with vacant seats likely to be filled by fellow Democrats.
Historically, the president’s party has fared poorly during midterm elections, winning only two out of 20 since World War II. It’s uncertain how Trump’s popularity will evolve by then, but it seems reasonable to speculate it could decline given the repercussions of his policies.
A recent Gallup poll indicated that Trump’s approval rating was at 43% in May, with a disapproval rating of 53%. He remains the only president post-World War II who has had such low approval rates shortly after being elected.
While Democrats face an uphill battle to capture the Senate majority, a well-suited candidate could defy expectations.
Currently, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, with 35 seats on the ballot in 2026, 23 of which are currently occupied by Republicans.
Last year was challenging for Democrats, characterized by significant electoral losses. The United States and the world have experienced notable difficulties in 2025 due to Trump’s erratic and perilous leadership.
Democrats are eager to move beyond the mistakes of the previous year. They are rebuilding, holding events in districts where Republicans feel vulnerable, and challenging executive overreach that mirrors monarchical behavior.
A new chapter appears to be unfolding for the Democratic party, one that I hope leads to success in upcoming elections against radical Republicans who have strayed far from the principles of conservatism established by Ronald Reagan, embracing instead the extremes of the Trump era.
