Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has indicated that he “would consider” a presidential bid, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the most recent Democratic vice-presidential nominee, has stated he will do “whatever it takes” if asked to serve in a presidential role. Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego deflected inquiries about his own ambitions, citing the upcoming birth of his third child, but noted, “Babies get older.”
This period leading up to the 2028 presidential race, described as the "chatter primary," is characterized by a flurry of discussions among potential Democratic candidates as they seek to bolster their national profiles.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran for president in 2020, emphasized that he is not currently running for any office but appreciates the continued support from his followers.
The upcoming Democratic primary is anticipated to be highly competitive and crowded, with at least 19 names circulating as potential candidates, including governors, senators, House members, and former officials from the Biden administration.
In recent weeks, many of these prospective candidates have made notable visits to early nominating states, held town halls, and engaged in interviews, subtly suggesting their interest in a presidential run.
While presidential contests often focus on future aspirations, many potential candidates are discussing persistent issues facing the Democratic Party, such as winning back working-class voters, opposing former President Trump, and reaching audiences beyond traditional media channels. The party is also reassessing President Biden’s decision to run for re-election and the implications of his leadership fitness.
Despite widespread narratives of a Democratic Party yearning for new ideas, there is a noticeable absence of innovative proposals at this stage. Instead, many leaders are more engaged in media outreach than in policy development.
Political strategist Adrienne Elrod expressed optimism, stating that this presents a “whole new opportunity for Democrats” and highlighting a deep bench of potential candidates ready to engage in a robust primary debate.
Unlike previous Democratic contests, there is currently no clear front-runner, as many prominent figures are contemplating their next steps. For instance, Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly leaning towards a run for governor of California.
While speculation is rampant, no candidates have formally declared their intentions or launched official campaigns. Several governors, including JB Pritzker of Illinois and Wes Moore of Maryland, are expected to focus on re-election efforts in 2026.
Some potential candidates, such as former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, have expressed openness to running, while others, like Rahm Emanuel, have made more humorous comments about their aspirations.
As interest grows, prominent names like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Raphael Warnock remain reticent to openly engage in the speculation. Notable figures from the business sector, like Mark Cuban, have also conditioned their interest on specific political circumstances.
Actions and statements from these potential candidates are being closely monitored by political observers. Governor Beshear is working with a seasoned strategist to enhance his media presence, while Governor Gavin Newsom is adjusting his political image and engaging with varied audiences.
As candidates begin courting donors and making appearances in early primary states, some former politicians caution against premature commitments to a presidential campaign, suggesting that the environment may not be as favorable as it appears.