Democrats face crowded 2028 presidential race after midterm victories

Potential Democratic candidates, including governors and senators, have spent months cultivating donors, visiting early-nominating states and raising their national profiles. Strategists expect the race to begin in earnest now that the midterm elections are over.

Democrats’ sweeping victories on Tuesday delivered a sharp rebuke to Trump and his agenda, intensifying debate within both parties over how to win over voters unhappy with the country’s direction. The party remains divided over whether to move toward the centre or further left on healthcare, taxes, policing and foreign policy.

Republicans face the challenge of distancing themselves from Trump after voters rejected his policies, while broadening their appeal beyond his base without breaking with the Make America Great Again movement. Trump’s continued influence could complicate the path of the party’s next presidential nominee.

Doug Sosnik, a Democratic strategist, said progressives and moderates would both claim vindication from the midterm results, setting up an intense debate over the party’s future. He said the party had not had a proper debate about its philosophy and direction since 2016, when Hillary Clinton won the nomination after a challenge from Senator Bernie Sanders.

Potential Democratic contenders include former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. None of the nine prominent potential candidates contacted by Reuters confirmed a 2028 run.

Democratic strategist Scott Ferson said at least 30 Democrats were considering whether to run. Several prospective candidates, including Buttigieg and Representative Ro Khanna of California, are scheduled to attend a Denver gathering hosted by Majority Democrats, a group advocating younger party leaders and a more centrist platform.

Republican hopefuls have largely stayed in Trump’s shadow. Vance acknowledged that the Iran war had cost Republicans the election, but did not clearly break with Trump. Strategists say Vance has less freedom than other potential candidates to distance himself from the president because of his role as vice president.

Vance has said there is “a chance” he will not run, citing family considerations, while Rubio said he had no plans at present to seek the presidency. Florida Governor Ron De. Santis has not ruled out another bid.

Other Republicans viewed as potential candidates include Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.