Meet The Democrats Eyeing A 2028 White House Run After Trump

Last Updated:May 19, 2026, 16:18 IST

Kamala Harris remains well known nationally and continues to perform strongly in early Democratic polling.

Even though the 2028 US presidential election is still two years away, several prominent Democrats are already laying the groundwork for potential White House bids as the party searches for a leader to take on the Republicans after US President Donald Trump completes his final term.

With no clear Democratic frontrunner emerging yet, governors, senators and former presidential candidates have begun visiting early primary states, strengthening donor networks, publishing memoirs and raising their national profiles. While no Democrat has formally announced a 2028 run, political maneuvering is expected to intensify after the 2026 midterm elections.

Who Are The Governors Likely To Be Part Of Democrat Race?

Among the governors attracting the most attention is Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who has built a reputation as a Democrat capable of winning in a heavily Republican state. Andy Beshear, now chair of the Democratic Governors Association, has already visited South Carolina, a key early voting state, and signaled openness to a presidential run.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is also seen as a major contender. Known nationally for his sharp criticism of Trump, Gavin Newsom has increased his visibility through media appearances, political travel and the release of a memoir earlier this year. However, Republicans are expected to target California’s high taxes, homelessness crisis and fuel prices if he enters the race.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has likewise emerged as a possible candidate after making visits to early primary states such as New Hampshire and Nevada. A billionaire heir to the Hyatt hotel empire, JP Pritzker has become one of the Democratic Party’s loudest critics of Trump’s immigration and National Guard policies.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is also generating buzz. Seen as a popular Democrat in a key swing state, Josh Shapiro has hinted he will play a role in shaping the party’s future after the midterms.

Which Other Democrats Could Run For President In 2028?

Several former national candidates are also weighing another White House campaign. Former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran in 2020, has maintained a national political profile and continued engaging with early-voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

In the Senate, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has emerged as one of the most closely watched figures. A former NASA astronaut and Navy pilot, Mark Kelly has built a reputation as a moderate Democrat with appeal in swing-state politics. On the party’s progressive flank, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez- popularly known as AOC- is increasingly viewed as a possible standard-bearer for younger liberal voters.

Other names quietly circulating include Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and California Representative Ro Khanna.

Will Kamala Harris Run For US President Again?

Former vice president Kamala Harris has been the clearest so far about considering another presidential bid after her 2024 defeat to Donald Trump. Kamala Harris remains well known nationally and continues to perform strongly in early Democratic polling, though questions remain over whether Democratic voters would embrace another run after two previous presidential campaigns.

News world Meet The Democrats Eyeing A 2028 White House Run After Trump

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