Less than 4 months into Trump’s 2nd term, Dems are already eyeing the 2028 race

President Donald Trump has not even hit the four-month mark but in his second tour of obligation within the White Home, however that isn’t stopping Democrats from already waiting for the 2028 presidential marketing campaign.

The very early strikes within the subsequent White Home race by potential presidential contenders are clearly underway.

The most recent comes from 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, who later served as Transportation secretary in former President Joe Biden’s administration. He’s headlining a city corridor with veterans on Tuesday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Iowa’s caucuses for half a century kicked off each main political events’ presidential nominating calendars till the Democratic Nationwide Committee (DNC) demoted the Hawkeye State on their 2024 schedule.

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Pete Buttigieg, the previous Transportation secretary and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, makes a cease in Iowa on Tuesday. (Photographer: Tim Rue/Bloomberg through Getty Pictures)

One other potential contender, two-term Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, late final month, gave the keynote deal with at a significant state social gathering fundraising gala in New Hampshire, the state that for a century has held the primary main within the race for the White Home.

Although he says he’s not laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential run, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore later this month will headline a significant state social gathering fundraising dinner in South Carolina, which the DNC anointed final cycle as their lead-off contest on the first calendar.

Additionally making noise is two-term Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who mentioned lately he would think about working for president if he felt he might efficiently unite the nation.

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Moreover, progressive firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York grabbed loads of consideration the previous couple of months, co-headlining a slew of huge rallies throughout the nation with longtime progressive champion Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, which sparked loads of 2028 hypothesis.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders take part in a cease on the “Combating Oligarchy” tour on the Dignity Well being Enviornment Theater in Bakersfield, California, on April 15, 2025. (REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci)

The Democratic Social gathering has been within the political wilderness since final November’s election setbacks, when Republicans received again management of the White Home and the Senate and defended their fragile Home majority. Republicans moreover made good points amongst Black and Hispanic voters in addition to youthful voters, all conventional members of the Democratic Social gathering’s base.

Since Trump’s return to energy, an more and more indignant and energized base of Democrats has been pushing for social gathering leaders to take a stronger stand in pushing again towards the president’s sweeping and controversial agenda through the opening months of his second administration.

Democrats aren’t solely waiting for subsequent 12 months’s midterms, after they hope to make poll field good points, but additionally to the following presidential race.

“There was a way of hopelessness earlier this 12 months amongst Democrats, as Trump got here in together with his wrecking ball, and it appeared like there was nothing however futile opposition to him,” longtime Democratic strategist and communication Chris Moyer informed Fox Information. “So occupied with a presidential race with potential candidates is a option to get some hope again and look in the direction of a future that does not embrace Trump.”

Moyer, a veteran of a handful of Democratic presidential campaigns, mentioned the race is “vast open, and it received’t be lengthy earlier than we see clear maneuvering from a litany of candidates.”

The outcomes of the 2026 midterm elections may have a significant affect on the form of the following White Home race, too.

For now, nonetheless, right here is an early have a look at Democrats thought of to be potential 2028 presidential contenders.

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on the Main Girls Outlined Summit on the Ritz-Carlton on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Dana Level, California. (Juliana Yamada /Los Angeles Occasions through Getty Pictures)

After mendacity low because the Biden administration got here to an in depth, former Vice President Kamala Harris has picked up the political tempo of late, together with headlining a significant DNC fundraiser final week in New York Metropolis.

Amongst her marketing campaign choices that she is weighing is a 2026 run for the open governor’s seat in her dwelling state of California and one other bid in 2028 for the White Home.

A supply within the former vp’s political orbit confirmed to Fox Information Digital two months in the past that Harris had informed allies she would resolve by the tip of summer time on whether or not to launch a 2026 gubernatorial marketing campaign.

Harris served as San Francisco district lawyer, California lawyer normal and represented the Golden State within the U.S. Senate earlier than becoming a member of Biden’s 2020 ticket and profitable election as vp.

Moreover, Harris can be thought of the clear frontrunner for governor in closely blue California within the race to succeed term-limited Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Nevertheless, early polling within the 2028 Democratic nomination race signifies that Harris can be the frontrunner, thanks partially to her identify recognition inside her social gathering.

Whereas there are many voices throughout the social gathering who want to transfer on from the Biden/Harris period following Trump’s sweeping victory, and there’s little historical past of Democrats craving for previous defeated presidential nominees, Trump has re-written the principles relating to defeated White Home contenders making one other run. 

Potential patrons’ regret of a second Trump administration might enhance the 60-year-old Harris within the years to come back.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a rally in Nampa, Idaho. (Fox Information )

The progressive “rock star” and best-known lawmaker among the many so-called “Squad” of various Home Democrats in October turned 35, the minimal age to run for president.

Some Democrats argue {that a} riveting messenger with star energy is required because the social gathering’s subsequent nominee, and Ocasio-Cortez is assured to seize loads of consideration if she in the end decides to run.

There’s additionally hypothesis the four-term federal lawmaker from New York Metropolis could main problem Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer of New York when he’s up for re-election in 2028.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California 

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks with voters throughout a cease at a freeway relaxation space in Hooksett, New Hampshire, on July 8, 2024. (Fox Information — Paul Steinhauser)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was a high surrogate for Biden through the president’s re-election bid. With the blessing of the White Home, the two-term California governor debated then-Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis final 12 months on Fox Information. 

Newsom’s travels on behalf of Biden introduced him to New Hampshire and South Carolina, two essential early voting states on the Democratic Social gathering’s nominating calendar.

After Harris, his buddy and fellow Californian, changed Biden atop the Democrats’ 2024 ticket, the governor continued — after a pause — his efforts to maintain Trump from returning to the White Home.

Whereas Newsom and California’s Democrat-dominated legislature took motion to “Trump-proof” the Golden State, the governor has additionally labored with Trump on key issues, together with January’s wildfires that devastated components of metropolitan Los Angeles.

Newsom additionally seems to have moderated on some points and invited well-known Trump allies Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon on his weekly podcast.

The 57-year-old Newsom, who’s term-limited, completes his duties in Sacramento on the finish of subsequent 12 months, proper across the time the 2028 presidential election will begin to warmth up.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is interviewed by Fox Information Digital on the Democratic Nationwide Conference on Aug. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Fox Information — Paul Steinhauser)

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has develop into a number one voice within the Democrats’ opposition to Trump and has taken steps to Trump-proof his solidly blue state.

“You come for my individuals, you come by means of me,” Pritzker informed reporters of his efforts to guard Illinois.

Pritzker was additionally a high-profile surrogate on behalf of Biden after which Harris through the 2024 cycle. These efforts introduced Pritzker to Nevada, a normal election battleground state and an early-voting Democratic presidential main state, and New Hampshire.

Moreover, the governor’s latest journey to New Hampshire sparked extra 2028 buzz.

Nevertheless, earlier than he makes any determination about 2028, the 60-year-old governor should resolve whether or not he’ll run in 2026 for a 3rd time period steering Illinois.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer campaigns on behalf of then-presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a home social gathering in Durham, New Hampshire, on July 25, 2024. (Fox Information — Paul Steinhauser)

Two-term Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer grabbed loads of consideration and have become a Democratic Social gathering rising star in 2020 when she feuded with Trump over COVID-19 federal help and survived a foiled kidnapping try.

Trump, on the time, known as her “that girl from Michigan.”

Together with Newsom and Pritzker, Whitmer’s identify was floated as a doable alternative for Biden following his disastrous debate efficiency towards Trump in late June, earlier than the president endorsed Harris and the social gathering immediately coalesced across the vp.

Whitmer was a number one surrogate for Biden after which for Harris and made an enormous impression on Democratic activists throughout a cease this summer time in New Hampshire on behalf of Harris.

Nevertheless, Whitmer was criticized by some in her social gathering for showing to cozy as much as Trump throughout a White Home go to earlier this spring.

The 53-year-old governor is term-limited and can depart workplace after the tip of subsequent 12 months.

Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks earlier than Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her working mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, throughout a marketing campaign occasion in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photograph/Joe Lamberti)

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Gov. Josh Shapiro, the 51-year-old first-term governor of Pennsylvania, was on Harris’ short-list for vice presidential nominee.

Although the vp named Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her working mate, Shapiro remained a high surrogate on behalf of his social gathering’s 2024 nationwide ticket. 

Nevertheless, his two-day swing in New Hampshire through the remaining full week forward of Election Day did elevate some eyebrows and 2028 hypothesis.

After Harris misplaced battleground Pennsylvania to Trump, there was loads of discuss throughout the social gathering that Harris had made the flawed selection for her working mate.

Shapiro, who has a monitor report of taking up the primary Trump administration as Pennsylvania lawyer normal, is anticipated to play an identical function with Trump again within the White Home.

The governor shall be up for re-election in 2026.

Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland

Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland speaks with the New Hampshire delegation on the Democratic Nationwide Conference in Chicago on Aug. 22, 2024. (Fox Information — Paul Steinhauser)

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is taken into account by many to be one other Democratic Social gathering rising star.

The 46-year-old Military veteran, Rhodes Scholar and CEO of the charitable group the Robin Hood Basis through the coronavirus pandemic was elected two years in the past.

Although Moore mentioned in a latest interview on “The View” that he is “not working” in 2028, hypothesis persists, fueled partially due to his upcoming cease in South Carolina.

Moore shall be up for re-election in 2026. 

Pete Buttigieg

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks on day three of the Democratic Nationwide Conference on the United Heart in Chicago on Aug. 21, 2024. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who surpassed expectations throughout his 2020 Democratic presidential nomination run, was a really lively surrogate on behalf of Biden and later Harris, through the 2024 cycle.

He helped elevate some huge cash for the Democratic Social gathering ticket, together with heading a top-dollar fundraiser in New Hampshire.

The 43-year-old former South Bend, Indiana, mayor and former naval officer who served within the warfare in Afghanistan, is taken into account one of many social gathering’s largest and brightest stars. He was often called a high communicator for the administration, together with making frequent appearances on Fox Information.

Fueling buzz a couple of potential 2028 presidential run, Buttigieg handed on a 2026 Senate bid in his adopted dwelling state of Michigan and made a high-profile cease in Iowa on Tuesday.

Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks through the 2024 Democratic Nationwide Conference on the United Heart in Chicago on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (Invoice Clark/CQ-Roll Name, Inc. through Getty Pictures)

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, 47, who was elected governor in 2019 after which re-elected in 2023 in red-state Kentucky, was additionally on Harris’ longer checklist for potential working mates.

Beshear made loads of new buddies and contacts as he ventured to New Hampshire final month to headline the state Democratic Social gathering’s annual fall fundraising gala.

He served as Kentucky’s lawyer normal earlier than working for governor.

Beshear mentioned final week in an interview with native state WDRB that “in the event you’d requested me a pair years in the past if that is one thing I might think about, I most likely would not have. However I do not need to depart a damaged nation to my youngsters. And so, if I am any individual that may carry this nation collectively, hopefully discover some widespread floor, it is one thing I am going to think about.”

Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia

Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., speaks with Fox Information Digital following a marketing campaign rally in Tifton, Georgia, on Nov. 29, 2022. (Brandon Gillespie/Fox Information)

Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, 55, is a significant participant in Washington because the Democratic minority within the Senate fights again towards the second Trump administration.

Warnock, who received Senate elections in 2020 and 2022 in battleground Georgia, served as senior pastor on the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the place Martin Luther King Jr. as soon as preached.

He’s up for re-election within the Senate in 2028.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey

On this picture offered by Senate Tv, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. speaks on the Senate flooring on Tuesday morning, April 1, 2025. (Senate Tv through AP)

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who ran for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, is taken into account one of many social gathering’s most gifted orators.

Due to his 2020 run, Booker made loads of buddies and allies in such early states as New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Booker made headlines six weeks in the past by delivering a record-breaking 25-hour and 5-minute marathon speech from the ground of the Senate. The speech protested the sweeping and controversial strikes to date by Trump throughout his second administration, in addition to the operations of Elon Musk’s Division of Authorities Effectivity. 

The 56-year-old senator is up for re-election in 2026.

Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut speaks on the Nationwide Safer Communities Summit on the College of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, on Friday, June 16, 2023. (AP Photograph/Susan Walsh, File)

Because the November election, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut has been very vocal concerning the steps Democrats must take to win again working-class voters.

First elected to the Home in 2006 and later to the Senate in 2012, the 51-year-old Murphy cruised to re-election this 12 months by almost 20 factors, which suggests he wouldn’t must resolve between a re-election bid and a White Home run in 2028.

Rep. Ro Khanna of California

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California is interviewed by Fox Information Digital at Yale College, on April 15, 2025 in New Haven, Connecticut. (Fox Information – Paul Steinhauser)

Rep. Ro Khanna, 48, was a tireless surrogate on behalf of Biden after which Harris. 

He has been a daily customer to New Hampshire previously couple of years, together with a high-profile debate final 12 months towards then-GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Khanna has grabbed loads of consideration to date this 12 months as he has held city halls in Republican-controlled congressional districts and focused Vice President JD Vance with occasions within the vp’s dwelling state of Ohio and at Yale Legislation Faculty, the place each politicians earned their authorized levels.

Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith on the ESPN NBA Countdown stay set at Intuit Dome on Oct. 23, 2024. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures)

The 57-year-old sports activities TV character, sports activities radio host, sports activities journalist, and actor has grabbed a ton of consideration this 12 months as he has mulled a White Home run and has even grabbed Trump’s consideration.

Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban spoke at a marketing campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on the College of Wisconsin La Crosse, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. (AP Photograph/Abbie Parr)

One other potential contender with loads of star energy is Mark Cuban.

The billionaire enterprise mogul and part-owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks’ was a high-profile surrogate for Harris throughout her presidential election marketing campaign.

Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks in assist of then-presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris on the Hendrick Heart For Automotive Excellence on Aug. 16, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photograph by Grant Baldwin/Getty Pictures)

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, 67, who in the beginning of the 12 months completed up his eighth and remaining 12 months as governor, took his identify out of the Harris working mate hypothesis early within the course of final summer time.

Cooper served 16 years as North Carolina’s lawyer normal earlier than profitable election as governor.

The previous governor is being closely recruited by Democrats to try to flip a GOP-held Senate seat in North Carolina in subsequent 12 months’s midterms.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico

Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks on Aug. 9, 2023, in Belen, New Mexico. (AP Photograph/Alex Brandon, File)

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, 65, is midway by means of her second time period steering New Mexico.

The governor, a former member of Congress, was a high-profile and busy surrogate on behalf of Harris through the remaining weeks of the 2024 marketing campaign.

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks throughout a marketing campaign rally at Tucson Excessive Magnet Faculty on Nov. 2, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona. (Mario Tama/Getty Pictures)

The 61-year-old Minnesota governor, who served as Harris’ working mate, has two years remaining in his second time period in workplace.

Whereas the vice presidential nominee’s power and enthusiasm on the marketing campaign path this 12 months impressed loads of Democratic strategists, the ultimate outcomes of the election will make any potential future nationwide run for Tim Walz troublesome.

Walz has mentioned he’s not pondering of 2028, however he has been very busy to date this 12 months heading occasions throughout the nation, and an upcoming cease in South Carolina is fueling extra White Home buzz.

Three different names maintain arising — Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey and former Chicago mayor, former congressman, former White Home chief of employees and former ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, and Sen. Ruben Gallego of battleground Arizona.