The early moves in the next White House race, particularly among Democrats, are already underway. Former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg announced that he would not be running for an open Democrat-held Senate seat in Michigan, setting the stage for a potential 2028 White House bid. Newsom, the term-limited governor of California, is gaining national attention through a high-profile podcast series and discussions about a potential 2028 run have started.
JB Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, is also generating 2028 speculation as he heads to New Hampshire for a fundraising gala. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nominee, is considering a potential gubernatorial run in California in 2026. However, running for governor could derail her from a White House bid in 2028.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was Harris’ running mate in 2024, is not ruling out a White House run of his own in 2028. Other potential Democratic contenders include Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is also being considered as a potential candidate for 2028.
Republicans are also gearing up for the 2028 cycle, with former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo making a notable appearance in Iowa, a state that traditionally kicks off the GOP’s presidential nominating schedule. According to political strategist Lucas Meyer, it is crucial for potential candidates to start early if they are serious about running for president. The field for Republicans in 2028 is wide open, providing opportunities for new leaders to emerge.
While 2028 might seem far away, the early moves in the next White House race are already taking place. Democrats such as Buttigieg, Newsom, Pritzker, Harris, and Walz are considering potential runs, while Republicans like Pompeo are also positioning themselves for a potential campaign. With the political landscape constantly evolving, it is essential for candidates to start laying the groundwork early to build momentum and support for their future bids for the presidency.
