Newsom, AOC, Harris? Potential Democratic contenders for 2028 run

Would-be contenders include governors, senators, members of Congress and the former vice-president

After 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.

Many more Democrats are viewed as potential contenders. Here’s who else to watch.

Illinois governor JB Pritzker

Maryland governor Wes Moore

Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer

Minnesota governor and former vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz

Colorado governor Jared Polis

Former commerce secretary Gina Raimondo

Barack Obama’s former chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel

Arizona senator Mark Kelly

Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin

Connecticut senator Chris Murphy

New Jersey senator Cory Booker

California congressman Ro Khanna

Colorado congressman Jason Crow

Media personality Stephen A Smith