The 12 Democrats who make the most sense for 2028
Democrats are adrift.
The blue team appears to be in disarray, behaving as if they've suffered a crushing defeat and are unsure of their next step.
.
While Trump's 2016 election was met with large-scale events like the half-million-strong Women's March on Washington, there was nothing similar this time around. Members of his base appear apathetic and unmotivated. It almost seems like people have decided to hold their noses and accept the current situation, at least for now, and wait for further developments.
Part of the reason for that is not just disappointment, but a lack of strong Democratic leadership. For most of the time, save for a handful of months at the end of the 2024 campaign, the party hasn't had a clear, top leader. This is largely because the former president Joe Biden has faded from public view and hasn't effectively used his influence in recent years.
What it all comes down to: A vacuum that's waiting (and will need) to be filled — probably, by 2028, the most wide-open Democratic presidential nomination contest since maybe 2004.
So who could fill this void and take charge of the lackluster Democratic Party? Below are the Democrats who make the most sense, in approximate ascending order.
12. Tim Walz
in Minnesota.
11. Josh Stein
He'll run for re-election in 2028, but it seems he's right now the most promising Democrat in the 2024 governor's race.
10. Andy Beshear
We've seen this play out before: A candidate wins in a state that favors their party but struggles to maintain a national presence afterwards. Typically, domestic issues and local politics can take a toll, making it difficult for them to stay relevant on a national level. It would have been ideal for Beshear had he been chosen by Harris as her running mate, winning the election, and eventually landing a role in the White House.
9. Gavin Newsom
.
8. Raphael G. Warnock
The senator from Georgia has finally had a chance to get settled into the Senate, after his recent re-election bids in 2020 and 2022. Typically, it takes time for new senators who are first-termers to find their footing in national politics, which is likely beneficial for Warnock, given his lack of prior experience in office. Due to his abilities and past electoral record in his challenging home state, many insiders will be closely watching how he establishes himself in the future. Nevertheless, Warnock will seek re-election in 2028, and Democrats may want him to focus on protecting a tough seat in the process.
7. Wes Moore
He lacks a strong national presence at this point. The comparisons with Barack Obama and the hype surrounding him haven't added much substance yet. However, he's certainly someone to keep an eye on and could potentially fill the current void.
6. Ruben Gallego
Before many others did. He's likely the most intriguing new senator, and he won't be up for re-election until 2030.
5. John Fetterman
Maybe Fetterman's unorthodox style isn't what Democratic primary voters are looking for, but what he's doing is certainly interesting, and he may have a valid argument about how the party should engage with Trump's supporters. His outgoing personality and willingness to shake things up within the party could be definite assets.
4. Kamala Harris
which may exclude the possibility of a 2028 bid.
3. Pete Buttigieg
in 2026.
2. Gretchen Whitmer
The Michigan governor’s stock probably suffered in the 2024 election, through no fault of her own. Given Democrats have now lost to Trump twice with the only two female nominees they’ve ever run — and some wondered whether sexism is to blame — it seems likely they’ll be skittish about putting up another one for the foreseeable future (rightly or wrongly). But Whitmer’s qualifications are also some of the most substantial on this list. And because she’s term-limited, she’ll be out of a job come 2027.
1. Josh Shapiro
is kind of funny, that might be an asset now. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, especially when it recalls the Democrats’ best days of the 21st century.
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