November 11, 2024
After a series of major losses in the presidential and down-ballot races, the Democratic Party is evaluating its current direction, considering what went wrong, and contemplating who might lead them forward. With President-elect Donald Trump poised for a return to the White House, Democrats are eyeing potential candidates for 2028. Yet, each of the party’s most prominent potential leaders faces unique challenges and criticisms within their own states.
With early moves for the next presidential race expected soon, strategists anticipate that Democratic figures will begin making their intentions known. “The jockeying for 2028 took a brief pause when Harris became the nominee… Now, though, it’s wide open, and it won’t be long before we see clear maneuvering from a litany of candidates,” Democratic strategist Chris Moyer told Fox News.
Here is a look at the leading figures expected to contend for the 2028 nomination — and some of the obstacles each will have to overcome based on their records at home.
Top Contenders for 2028
- Gov. Gavin Newsom (California)
Newsom has long been a prominent voice within the Democratic Party, actively championing progressive policies and high-profile campaigns. However, his tenure as governor of California has faced heavy criticism due to a staggering rise in homelessness, surging crime rates, and housing affordability issues that continue to plague the state. California’s exodus of businesses and residents under his administration has raised questions about his governance. Newsom’s national ambitions may be hampered by his inability to address these complex issues effectively in his own state (Fox News).
- Gov. JB Pritzker (Illinois)
Pritzker has built a reputation for taking bold stances on issues like gun control and healthcare. Yet, Illinois faces major budget issues, exacerbated by some of the nation’s highest tax rates, which have driven both businesses and residents out of the state. Pritzker’s inability to stem Illinois’ population decline, high crime rates in Chicago, and ongoing corruption scandals have tainted his leadership record, raising questions about his ability to translate his policies to a national platform.
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan)
Whitmer gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, positioning herself as a strong opponent to Trump. However, her stringent lockdown policies during the pandemic faced significant backlash, with many residents viewing her approach as overly restrictive. Michigan’s economic recovery has lagged, and her leadership has been criticized for failing to adequately address the state’s struggling auto industry and ongoing infrastructure issues, including the continued failure to replace Flint’s lead-tainted water pipes (The New York Times).
- Gov. Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania)
Shapiro has risen quickly in Pennsylvania politics, but his record faces scrutiny as his administration contends with rising violent crime, particularly in Philadelphia, and challenges with opioid addiction. Critics argue he has not effectively addressed these issues, which plague urban and rural communities alike. Additionally, Shapiro’s connection to state education controversies, particularly regarding funding and school safety, could limit his appeal in a national campaign.
- Gov. Wes Moore (Maryland)
Moore, a recent arrival to Maryland’s governorship, has already positioned himself as a rising star within the Democratic Party. However, his administration faces criticism over handling public safety, with Baltimore experiencing persistently high crime rates. Moore’s response to education and infrastructure challenges in Maryland has also drawn mixed reactions, as some believe he has not yet proven his ability to tackle these longstanding state issues.
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Despite his impressive showing in the 2020 Democratic primary, Buttigieg’s tenure as Transportation Secretary has been criticized for his handling of major infrastructure delays and high-profile transportation crises, including airline disruptions and ongoing rail safety issues. Critics argue that he lacks executive experience, and the challenges he’s faced at the federal level raise concerns about his readiness for the presidency.
- Gov. Andy Beshear (Kentucky)
A rare Democratic governor in a deeply conservative state, Beshear has struggled with balancing progressive values in a red state. His administration has faced setbacks with handling the state’s economic recovery, as Kentucky remains one of the poorest states. Additionally, his approach to the opioid epidemic has been met with limited success, a crucial issue in a state ravaged by addiction.
- Sen. Raphael Warnock (Georgia)
Warnock won re-election in 2022 in the battleground state of Georgia, but faces criticism over his limited achievements in the Senate, where he has had a relatively low legislative profile. Additionally, Warnock’s stance on key issues has at times seemed misaligned with Georgia’s increasingly purple voter base, creating challenges for him if he chooses to take his record national.
- Sen. Cory Booker (New Jersey)
Known for his charisma and oratorical skills, Booker has struggled to make a significant impact in the Senate despite his high profile. New Jersey continues to grapple with issues like high property taxes, budget shortfalls, and lagging infrastructure development. Booker’s limited success in addressing these state-level challenges has raised concerns about his viability as a national leader.
- Rep. Ro Khanna (California)
Khanna, a progressive voice in the House, has advocated for far-left policies, which some believe make him less electable on a national scale. Representing a state with high costs of living and deepening inequality, Khanna’s progressive stances may alienate moderate voters, particularly those in states that view California’s policies as problematic.
- Gov. Roy Cooper (North Carolina)
Cooper’s term as governor has seen North Carolina grow in population, yet he has faced criticism for issues related to education and rural healthcare, as well as his handling of COVID-19 restrictions. Cooper has struggled to push through several policy reforms due to Republican control in the state legislature, leading some to question his ability to make bipartisan strides on a national level.
- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico)
Grisham’s administration has been criticized for New Mexico’s ongoing struggles with crime and drug addiction. Her handling of these issues, coupled with a slow economic recovery, has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle and may impact her national appeal.
The Question of Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris, following her defeat to Trump, now finds herself in an uncertain position. Her campaign faced numerous criticisms, from handling immigration to perceived inconsistencies in her public messaging. While Harris could still remain relevant in the party’s future, Democrats may be hesitant to rally around a candidate associated with recent setbacks.
In the years leading up to 2028, Democrats are expected to scrutinize these potential candidates closely. As Moyer emphasized, “Democratic voters in early states will soon want to find someone they can get excited about and a future to look forward to.” However, each contender will have to overcome the unique challenges and criticisms from their records to convince voters of their readiness to lead.
Sources:
- Fox News. (2024). “Democratic Party leaders consider the future after election setbacks.”
- The New York Times. (2024). “Gretchen Whitmer’s handling of Michigan infrastructure issues.”
- AP Photo/Joe Lamberti. “Josh Shapiro discusses national issues ahead of 2024 election.”
- Getty Images. (2024). “Biden and Harris attend 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony.”
