White House Race: Top Potential Democrats to Succeed Trump in 2028

After the conclusion of US congressional midterm election campaigns, the race to succeed President Donald Trump is expected to intensify amid a large group of Democratic candidates who have already begun preparing for 2028 without a clear frontrunner emerging so far.

The potential candidates, including governors, senators, and former presidential nominees, spent the last few weeks of the midterm campaign on intensive tours through states that will see early nominating contests, following months of courting donors, boosting their media presence, and publishing books—steps familiar on the path to running for the White House.

Regarding Republicans, the electoral arena is less crowded, as J.D. Vance, Trump's vice president, and Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, are the most prominent potential successors to Trump, who is barred by constitutional rules from seeking a third term.

No one has officially announced a candidacy for the November/November 2028 elections. Below are the names of the Democrats receiving the most attention, categorized by group and listed alphabetically, according to "Reuters":

State Governors
A number of Democratic state governors are seen as potential candidates and attracted early attention through travel, fundraising, and increased national visibility.

- Andy Beshear

The Kentucky governor chaired the Democratic Governors Association this year, giving him a platform to promote himself in a predominantly Republican state.

Data submitted to the Federal Election Commission indicates that Beshear has more than $2 million in his political action committee, and he appeared at events in states holding early nominating contests, including Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.

Beshear campaigned for Democratic candidates in swing states in presidential elections such as Wisconsin and Georgia.

He hinted at a 2028 run in an interview conducted in September/September, saying: "I will not leave a broken country for my children or for our future generations."

Strengths: He was elected twice in a state where Trump won by a margin exceeding 30 percentage points in 2024.

Weaknesses: He lacks broad name recognition outside Kentucky, and his more bipartisan political approach may not appeal to Democratic primary voters.

Polls indicate that many Democratic voters believe their party is not resisting Trump and his policies strongly enough.

- Gavin Newsom

The California governor released his memoirs in February/February and visited Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, which hold early presidential primaries. FEC data shows Newsom has nearly $7 million in his political action committee.

Newsom told CNN in September/September that he would not run if former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in 2024, entered the race.

In June/June, Newsom accused Trump of directing the Justice Department to conduct a politically motivated investigation against him and his wife because he is considering running for president.

Strengths: Newsom successfully established a national profile through his sharp criticism of Trump.

Weaknesses: California is among the states with the highest gasoline prices, taxes, and homelessness rates in the United States, issues likely to be exploited by Republicans if he runs.

- JB Pritzker

The Illinois governor traveled to states with early nominating contests, including Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.

Pritzker did not rule out a presidential run during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" on November 1, stating that his focus remains on what is best for Illinois residents and electing Democrats.

Pritzker urged Democrats to act forcefully once they take their seats in Congress in January/January.

NBC News reported on November 4 that Pritzker was scheduled to release a detailed legislative roadmap, a step possibly aimed at bolstering his presidential ambitions.

Pritzker successfully won reelection as Illinois governor on November 3.

Strengths: Pritzker gained national prominence through his criticism of Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and federal immigration officials in American cities. As the heir to the Hyatt hotel empire, Pritzker is a billionaire, giving him the ability to reduce reliance on donors.

Weaknesses: His wealth could expose him to attacks from rivals portraying him as out of touch with voters facing economic hardships, or overly reliant on personal fortune.

- Josh Shapiro

The Pennsylvania governor released his memoirs this year and launched a federal political action committee in October/October, providing a means to raise funds for Democratic candidates and potentially support his future presidential campaign.

When asked about a possible White House run on CBS News' "Face the Nation" on November 1, Shapiro said his focus is solely on helping Democrats win the midterms in Pennsylvania. Shapiro successfully won reelection as governor on November 3.

However, he was more candid in April/April, stating that Democrats would need to have a dialogue about the country's direction after the midterms. He added, "I will be part of that dialogue."

Strengths: Shapiro is a popular governor in a key swing state that Trump won in 2024.

Weaknesses: Shapiro, who is Jewish, is viewed as a pro-Israel Democrat at a time when criticism of Israel is growing among Democrats due to its wars in Gaza and Iran, despite his opposition to the US-led war on Iran.

- Wes Moore

Other state governors mentioned as potential candidates include Maryland Governor Wes Moore, despite his confirmation that he will not run, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Whitmer seemed to rule out a run in May/May before quickly backtracking, saying "nothing is ever impossible." She did not rule out a candidacy during an October/October interview on Meet the Press.

Former Presidential Candidates
Two Democrats who previously ran for president have taken early steps or publicly discussed running again.

- Pete Buttigieg

Buttigieg, whose 2020 campaign failed to secure the Democratic nomination, served as Transportation Secretary under former President Joe Biden.

He has approximately $7 million in his political action committee and traveled to a range of early-nominating-contest states and presidential swing states.

Buttigieg said in August/August during a podcast interview, "I think I lean toward running more than not running," when asked about a 2028 bid.

He stated in September/September interviews that he is focused on helping Democratic candidates in the midterms.

Strengths: Buttigieg is seen as skilled in debates and did not hesitate to criticize Republicans in their strongholds, including on conservative Fox News.

Weaknesses: He performed poorly in his failed 2020 campaign among Black voters, a key voting bloc in the party.

Additionally, his executive experience is limited, having only served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, before becoming a cabinet secretary.

- Kamala Harris

The former vice president to Biden has been among the most explicit about running again after losing to Trump in 2024, saying in April/April, "Maybe. Maybe. I am thinking about it." During an October/October podcast, she said she had not yet decided whether to run but promised to make a decision.

Harris rallied support for Democratic candidates in six states during September/September and October/October, including Nevada, New Hampshire, and Michigan, which represent presidential battlegrounds.

Strengths: Harris enjoys wide name recognition and performs well in polls among Democratic voters.

Weaknesses: If Harris runs again, it would be her third presidential bid. Primary voters often view previous unsuccessful candidates with skepticism.

Additionally, her ties to Biden could pose a problem, as some Democrats said his delay in withdrawing from the 2024 race hurt the party's chances.

Senators
A number of US Democratic senators have sparked speculation about the 2028 election. Two of them, Mark Kelly of Arizona and John Ossoff of Georgia, have undergone early and sustained scrutiny. Others include Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Cory Booker of New Jersey.

- Mark Kelly

Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut and former US Navy pilot, holds the largest cash reserve among all potential 2028 Democratic candidates.

FEC data indicates he has more than $26 million in his principal leadership committee. His office notes he campaigned for Democrats in 23 states during the current midterm cycle.

Strengths: He won office in Arizona, a state that swings in presidential elections. He has credibility on gun control issues as the husband of former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011.

Weaknesses: Kelly may be too moderate for Democratic primaries, which typically attract voters leaning toward progressive trends.

- John Ossoff

Ossoff's fame increased in recent months due to speeches criticizing Trump as corrupt and unfit for office in unusually direct language, making headlines.

However, he denied intentions to run in 2028 during recent public appearances, stating in an October/October debate during his Senate reelection campaign that he "does not care at all" about running for president.

He successfully won reelection to the Senate on November 3.

Strengths: He won elections in a state that will be a major battleground in 2028, is young and skilled in communication, and is rising rapidly among Democratic voters.

Weaknesses: His executive experience is limited, and he may struggle to gain support from progressives looking for a figure more left-leaning and adopting bold, passionate rhetoric.

Progressives
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The New York representative describes herself as a democratic socialist. She is one of the leading progressives in the country and is considered the most likely heir to the movement founded by Senator Bernie Sanders through his two presidential campaigns.

She told The New York Times in September/September that she would decide after the midterms whether to run for president.

Strengths: She is popular with many Democratic voters and regularly draws enthusiastic crowds in public appearances.

Weaknesses: Republicans often portray her as a prominent figure on the party's left wing, pointing to her support for taxing the wealthy and government-funded programs.

Others
- Rahm Emanuel

Emanuel is a former US Congressman, former ambassador to Japan, and former White House Chief of Staff under Barack Obama.

Emanuel repeatedly said he is considering a presidential run and will wait until after the midterms to make a final decision. He asserts that the party's moderate wing needs renewal.

Surprise Candidates
History suggests that early polls and prevailing opinions can be misleading, as Trump recorded roughly one percent support among voters in Republican primaries when he launched his campaign in 2016, while Bill Clinton received less than one percent in early Democratic polls before winning the presidency in 1992.