These Democrats Will Run for President in 2028

As the 2028 presidential race begins to come into focus, Democrats are quietly positioning themselves for what could be a wide open and competitive nomination contest. While no major candidate has formally announced a campaign, a growing list of governors, senators, and national figures have either signaled interest, declined to rule out a run, or are being actively discussed by party insiders and political analysts as likely contenders.

With an invisible primary already underway, fundraising, media appearances, travel to early primary states, and national messaging are providing clues about who may step forward.

Kamala Harris remains one of the most prominent names in the conversation. The former vice president and 2024 Democratic nominee has openly kept the door open to another run. Since the last election, Harris has suggested she is not finished with public service and has avoided ruling out a 2028 bid. Her national name recognition and continued support among Democratic voters make her an early focal point, even as questions linger about whether the party would rally behind a rematch.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is widely viewed as a top tier contender. While he has not announced plans to run, Newsom has spent years building a national profile through policy fights with Republican governors, high visibility media appearances, and party organizing efforts beyond California. Many Democrats see him as a polished communicator with executive experience, and early polling often places him among the leading speculative candidates.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is frequently mentioned as a rising star within the party. Governing a key swing state has given Shapiro credibility with both moderates and institutional Democrats. Although he has been careful not to signal explicit presidential ambitions, his name appears consistently in discussions about the party’s next generation of leadership.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez remains a favorite of the progressive wing of the party and one of the most recognizable Democrats nationwide. While she has not indicated she plans to run, her ability to raise money, mobilize grassroots support, and shape national conversations keeps her firmly in the mix. Whether she would seek the presidency or wait for a later cycle remains an open question.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also continues to draw attention as a possible contender. After a strong showing in the 2020 Democratic primary and a prominent role in the Biden administration, Buttigieg maintains national visibility and a loyal donor base. He has not ruled out another presidential run and is often cited as a bridge between the party’s moderate and progressive factions.

Beyond the top tier, several other Democrats are commonly included in early field projections. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is often mentioned due to his personal wealth, executive experience, and growing national role within the party. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has drawn interest for winning statewide office in a deeply Republican state, though his national ambitions remain unclear. Senator Cory Booker has acknowledged thinking about another presidential run after his 2020 campaign, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Maryland Governor Wes Moore appear periodically in broader discussions about the party’s future leadership. Former Chicago Mayor and diplomat Rahm Emanuel has also been linked to 2028 speculation, though he has not made any clear public moves.

Early polling suggests Democratic voters remain open minded, with support spread across several familiar names rather than coalescing around a single frontrunner. Recognition and media exposure continue to play a significant role at this stage, giving an advantage to figures who have already operated on the national stage.

While formal announcements are likely still years away, the groundwork for 2028 is already being laid. Travel to early primary states, donor outreach, and strategic messaging point to an increasingly active invisible primary. As the 2026 midterm elections reshape the party’s leadership and priorities, the Democratic field is expected to evolve, expand, and sharpen heading into the next presidential cycle.