Heating Up: Newsom, Pritzker, Buttigieg Make Early Moves in 2028 Presidential Race

The 2028 presidential race might feel like a distant thought for many of us, but for some Democratic heavyweights, the gears are already turning.

Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary and 2020 presidential contender, made a big splash last week by ruling out a run for Michigan's open Senate seat in 2026. This move seems less about Michigan politics and more about paving the way for a 2028 White House bid. Buttigieg, in a statement, committed to focusing on a vision to counter what he called the "cruel chaos" of the Trump administration. A source close to Buttigieg confirmed that running for Senate or governor in 2026 would have complicated a presidential campaign. Smart chess move? Looks like it.

Meanwhile, over on the West Coast, California Governor Gavin Newsom is making waves with his new podcast. Featuring prominent conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon as his first guests, the podcast has been a YouTube hit, though not without criticism. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, also a potential 2028 contender, wasn’t shy about denouncing Bannon’s inclusion, calling it a platform for "hatred and anger." Newsom seems to be playing the long game, courting attention while embracing political risks.

In Illinois, billionaire Governor JB Pritzker is stepping into the spotlight with plans to headline a New Hampshire Democratic Party fundraiser next month. For those new to the game, trips to New Hampshire—a state with the first primary in the presidential race—are a classic signal of national ambitions. Pritzker, a vocal opponent of Trump’s policies, is sparking plenty of speculation about his 2028 plans.

And then there’s former Vice President Kamala Harris, who has had a rocky political journey since stepping in as the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominee after President Biden bowed out. Harris, who lost the 2024 election to Trump, is reportedly debating a 2026 gubernatorial run in California. Insiders suggest any such move could sideline her potential 2028 bid. To keep her options open, Harris recently made a notable visit to Nevada, another early voting state in the Democratic primary calendar.

Other names in the mix include Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who’s been touring Republican districts in Iowa, and Governors Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, and Andy Beshear, all of whom took part in a Democratic House policy retreat last week. Even former Chicago Mayor and Obama-era chief of staff Rahm Emanuel has been floated as a possible contender. Emanuel, now U.S. ambassador to Japan, was the subject of a Politico deep dive exploring his potential presidential ambitions.

Though it may seem early for this level of posturing, history tells us that presidential hopefuls can never start too soon. Republican candidates began their 2024 campaigns just months after President Biden took office, with Iowa serving as the traditional kick-off point. New Hampshire-based strategist Lucas Meyer summed it up perfectly: "If anyone is serious about running for president, they would probably be well served in getting after it now." The Democratic field may be wide open, but it’s already getting crowded.