Would-be contenders include governors, senators, members of Congress and the former vice-president
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fter Democrats’s devastating loss to Donald Trump, the path forward for the party remains uncertain. With no clear direction – and no obvious standard-bearer – the race for the party’s 2028 presidential nomination is wide open. Would-be contenders include governors, senators, members of Congress, a former cabinet secretary and the former vice-president. While no one has officially announced their candidacy, several have begun visiting the early-voting states, and raising their profiles with appearances on popular podcasts and cross-country book tours. Of course, much could change in the months and years ahead, leaving room for surprises and new faces.
Governor of California
The term-limited governor has reprised his role as Democrats’ most visible Trump foil, setting off high-profile clashes with the president and his administration over federal authority, tariffs, climate policy and immigration. Newsom’s satirical social media presence – often aimed squarely at Trump – has helped raise his already growing national profile as he spearheaded a successful redistricting ballot measure, marketed as a check on Trump’s power. In preparation for a potential bid, Newsom has launched a podcast, traveled to South Carolina and announced an initiative focused on improving outcomes for young men – a group Democrats struggled with in 2024 – all while refining a progressive-but-pragmatic brand. Newsom has acknowledged he is considering a run for the White House but insists his focus for now is on helping Democrats’ take back the House in the 2026 midterms.
