2028 Election Watch: Democrats Like Harris, Newsom, and AOC Gear Up for Presidential Run

Four months into President Donald Trump’s second term, the 2028 presidential race is already stirring, with Democrats quietly positioning themselves for a shot at the White House. The party, reeling from last November’s electoral setbacks, is hungry for a comeback, and a diverse field of contenders is emerging to challenge the GOP’s grip on power.

This weekend, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore will headline events in South Carolina, the state now leading the Democratic primary calendar. Meanwhile, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a 2020 presidential candidate, is set to speak at a major New Hampshire Democratic dinner, signaling her continued national ambitions. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently energized veterans in Iowa, another key early-voting state, while Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear have made high-profile appearances in New Hampshire, fueling speculation about their 2028 plans.

The Democratic Party is at a crossroads, grappling with losses among Black, Hispanic, and younger voters—traditional strongholds. An energized base is pushing for bold leadership to counter Trump’s controversial agenda. Kamala Harris, the former vice president, remains a frontrunner, with recent high-profile fundraisers and talk of a 2026 California gubernatorial run or another White House bid. Progressive star Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, now 35, is generating buzz with her fiery rallies alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, though she may also challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2028.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, term-limited in 2026, is another heavyweight, balancing cooperation with Trump on issues like California wildfires while maintaining his progressive credentials. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and others like Sens. Raphael Warnock and Cory Booker are also in the mix, each bringing unique strengths and regional appeal. Even billionaire Mark Cuban and former ambassador Rahm Emanuel are floating their names, adding star power to an already crowded field.

The 2026 midterms will shape the race, but for now, Democrats are testing the waters, hoping to unify a fractured party and reclaim the White House. As strategist Chris Moyer noted, these early moves are about restoring hope after a tough year.