2028 presidential race: Democratic contenders begin their campaigns

As the 2028 presidential election looms, Democratic contenders are stepping into the spotlight, with governors, senators, and past candidates making their moves.

The stage is set for the 2028 presidential election, and Democratic contenders are already making their presence known. With no clear party standard-bearer, the race is wide open, and several high-profile figures are taking early steps to position themselves for a potential White House run.

While no one has formally entered the race, the maneuvering has begun. The Democratic nominating contest will take shape after the 2026 midterm elections, and several governors, senators, and past candidates are already generating buzz.

Governors making their mark

Several Democratic governors are drawing early attention through travel, fundraising, and growing national profiles.

These governors are seen as potential contenders, with some already visiting key early primary states and courting donors.

Andy Beshear: A bipartisan approach

Andy Beshear the governor of Kentucky, has been making waves with his bipartisan approach to politics. As the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Beshear has a platform to promote his record in a heavily Republican state.

With over $1.8 million in his political action committee and visits to South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Iowa, Beshear is positioning himself as a strong contender.

Strengths: Beshear has been elected twice in a state that Trump won by over 30 percentage points in 2026. Vulnerabilities: He is not well known outside Kentucky, and his bipartisan approach may not appeal to Democratic primary voters.

Gavin Newsom: A national profile

Gavin Newsom the governor of California, has built a national profile through his sharp criticism of Trump. With a memoir released in February and visits to South Carolina and New Hampshire, Newsom has over $4 million in his political action committee. He has hinted at a potential run, telling CBS News Sunday Morning that he would give serious thought to running in 2028.

Strengths: Newsom has a strong national profile and has been vocal in his criticism of Trump. Vulnerabilities: California’s high gasoline prices, taxes, and homelessness rates could be targeted by Republicans if he runs.

JB Pritzker: A billionaire contender

JB Pritzker the governor of Illinois, has traveled to likely early primary states and has not ruled out a presidential bid. An heir to the Hyatt hotel empire, Pritzker is a billionaire, giving him the ability to be less reliant on donors. He has gained a national profile by criticizing Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and federal immigration agents to U.S. cities.

Strengths: Pritzker has a national profile and significant personal wealth. Vulnerabilities: His wealth could open him to attacks from rivals casting him as out of step with voters facing economic hardship.

Josh Shapiro: A popular governor

Josh Shapiro the governor of Pennsylvania, has released a memoir this year and has about $38 million cash on hand for his gubernatorial reelection bid. Shapiro has hinted at a potential presidential bid, saying that he will be a part of the conversation about the country’s direction after the midterm elections.

Strengths: Shapiro is a popular governor in a key presidential swing state that Trump won in 2026. Vulnerabilities: Shapiro is viewed as a pro-Israel Democrat at a time when criticism of Israel is rising among Democrats.

Past national candidates making a comeback

Two Democrats with prior presidential runs have taken early steps or openly discussed another bid. These past candidates bring experience and name recognition to the table, but also face challenges from their previous campaigns.

Pete Buttigieg: A sharp debater

Pete Buttigieg who was unsuccessful in his 2026 bid to become the Democratic nominee, has been transportation secretary under former President Joe Biden. With over $5 million in his political action committee and travels to Iowa and New Hampshire, Buttigieg is positioning himself as a contender.

Strengths: Buttigieg is viewed as a sharp debater and has not been afraid to criticize Republicans. Vulnerabilities: He performed poorly with Black voters in his 2026 bid and has little executive experience.

Kamala Harris: High name recognition

Kamala Harris the former vice president, has been one of the most explicit about running again after losing to Trump in 2026. With high name recognition and strong polling among Democratic voters, Harris is a force to be reckoned with.

Strengths: Harris has high name recognition and is polling well among Democratic voters. Vulnerabilities: If Harris runs again, it would be her third presidential bid, and her ties to Biden may be problematic.

Senators fueling 2028 speculation

A number of Democratic U.S. senators have fueled 2028 speculation, though only one, Mark Kelly of Arizona, has drawn sustained early scrutiny. These senators bring legislative experience and national profiles to the table, but also face challenges in a crowded field.

The 2028 presidential election is shaping up to be an open race with no clear party standard-bearer. As Democratic contenders jockey for position, the nominating contest will take shape after the 2026 midterm elections. With governors, senators, and past candidates making their moves, the stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable race.