Eagerness mounts among Democratic Party members, particularly Kamala Harris, as they eagerly look forward to potentially taking up residence at the White House.
The 2028 U.S. Presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most open and lengthy in decades, with a diverse array of potential Democratic candidates quietly preparing for the race.
Governors are among the key potential contenders. Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, is viewed as a leading candidate, with his chances increasing following his response to major events in 2025. He began considering a bid as early as September 2023. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, former U.S. ambassador to Germany, is also regarded as a potential candidate. Other governors reportedly exploring early-state visits and campaign preparations include Andy Beshear (Kentucky), Tim Walz (Minnesota), Wes Moore (Maryland), JB Pritzker (Illinois), Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania), and Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan).
Senators are another group of potential candidates. Mark Kelly (Arizona), Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota), Ruben Gallego (Arizona), and Bernie Sanders (Vermont) have been named as possible contenders. Jon Ossoff (Georgia) is another figure with significant campaign funds, though facing a tough re-election in 2026. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is up for re-election in 2028, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been suggested to possibly challenge him or run herself.
Representatives and other Democrats are also in the mix. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has a strong following among younger voters and has been surging in early polling for 2028. However, she is reportedly reluctant to run and might instead aim for the Senate or help other progressives. Ro Khanna (California), former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are also mentioned among early potential candidates or national figures building their profiles.
Vice President Kamala Harris remains a prominent figure but has not announced any candidacy. She lost to Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, according to reports from 2024-2025. Harris has announced she will not run for California governor in 2023 and has written a memoir titled "107 Days," chronicling her whirlwind presidential campaign last year.
The Democratic Party is currently in a state of uncertainty, with no clear leader or official nominee. The party is diverse, lacking a consistent political philosophy or clear plan for victory. This upcoming Democratic primary will likely define the Democratic Party, with the emerging candidate in town hall forums, debates, and primaries set to shape the party's direction.
The 2028 presidential contest is already attracting many ambitious Democrats. The field is wide open, with a potential record number of candidates. Prospective presidential candidates often express love for their current roles but can be identified by their actions, such as campaigning for fellow Democrats, launching listening tours, criticizing Trump, visiting key states, and writing policy books.
The publication date of this article is Sept. 23, less than a year since the 2020 Election Day. The Democratic Party's past shows little loyalty to losing presidential candidates. For instance, Richard Nixon was nominated in 1968 and won after losing to John F. Kennedy in 1960. Similarly, the last Democratic nominee who lost one presidential race and was nominated for another was Adlai Stevenson in 1956.
On the Senate floor, Senator Cory Booker accused fellow Democrats of complicity with Trump over a bipartisan police funding bill. Senator Amy Klobuchar objected to Booker's criticism, suggesting he should have participated in committee discussions instead.
Trump was nominated in 2024 and won after losing to Joe Biden in 2020. The Electoral College count was more lopsided, at 312-226 in favor of Trump. Kamala Harris carried 48.32% of the popular vote in the 2020 presidential election, compared with 49.80% for Donald Trump.
As the 2028 election approaches, the race is expected to heat up, with candidates quietly preparing by fundraising, recruiting staff, and visiting early primary states ahead of any formal announcements. The Democratic Party's future leader will likely emerge from this crowded field.
- The media has been covering the potential candidates for the 2028 U.S. Presidential election, with politics taking center stage.
- Migration patterns might shift as immigration policies become a key issues in the election campaigns.
- War-and-conflicts around the world could impact the election, as foreign policy becomes a crucial part of the candidates' platforms.
- Policy-and-legislation and their implications will be a major focus in the upcoming election, as the candidates outline their visions for the nation.
- As the campaign season heats up, car-accidents are expected to increase due to increased travel and rallies.
- The policies regarding crime-and-justice are likely to be a hot button issue, as candidates discuss their plans for public safety.
- Fires and other emergencies could test the candidates' readiness and competence in handling crises.
- Sports, particularly football, NFL, WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, NCAA-basketball, MLB, NHL, racing, American-football, tennis, sports-analysis, and weather-forecasting, will continue to capture the public's attention during the election.
- The Masters, Grand-Prix, Horse-racing, and Mixed-Martial-Arts events will offer candidates opportunities to connect with voters and showcase their personalities.
- The weather and its effects on various states could play a role in the election, as candidates address climate change and related issues.
- NCAA-football will see its share of political activity, as athletes and coaches publicly support their preferred candidates.
- The media will cover the candidates' stances on sports-betting, as gambling continues to be a contentious issue in the U.S.
- The Democrats are working to define their party's direction, engaging in town hall forums, debates, and primaries to shape their nominee.
- Rising costs related to campaigns,staffing, and travel may lead to an increase in funding from donors, which could contributes to the length of the election season.
- Senators, governors, representatives, and other Democratic figures are all vying for the nomination, making for a crowded field.
- Candidates are facing challenges and criticism from within their own party, as they navigate the complexities of American politics.
- The Democratic Party's lack of unity and consistent political philosophy may create opportunities for independent and third-party candidates to gain traction.
- As the election approaches, the focus will shift from the primaries to the general-news, with campaigns, polls, and debates dominating the media landscape.
