In more ways than one, the 2024 election cycle was like no other. Joe Biden was the first incumbent since 1968 to withdraw from a presidential race, and Donald Trump was the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms. In an unprecedented political comeback, Trump overcame numerous forces working against him; his contention of the 2020 election and record-low approval rating at the end of his first term did not hurt him.
So, where do Democrats go from here? Who will most likely face off against Trump’s likely successor, J.D. Vance?
According to public opinion polls, many Democrats favor former nominee Kamala Harris over the rest of the field. Harris, a career prosecutor and politician from the state of California, ran a generally successful campaign in 2024, taking social media by storm through entertaining rallies and record fundraising. Harris raised billions of dollars in less than 100 days, all during one of the most bizarre election cycles, ever.
In the few months following Trump’s inauguration, Harris has maintained a relatively quiet presence albeit a few public appearances. Throughout this timeframe, rumors have emerged regarding Harris as a potential candidate for California’s governorship in 2026, but no official announcement has been made yet. As long as public opinion of Harris among Democrats remains strong, it is safe to assume that she is a viable candidate for 2028.
However, Harris is not the only Californian who is looking to make a bid for president. California Governor Gavin Newsom is seen by many as a rising star in the party.
As governor and lieutenant governor, Newsom has not shied away from the headlines. From a high-profile debate with Florida Governor Ron Desantis to regular social media clashes with President Trump, Newsom has made a name for himself, and through his newest venture, it seems as if he is gearing up for a contentious race in 2028.
Launched in February, Newsom’s new podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” has already featured conversations with prominent conservative commentators, from Charlie Kirk to Steve Bannon. In these conversations, Newsom has taken a step back from his more progressive stance, finding common ground with these contentious commentators on controversial issues, such as the debate over transgender athletes in sports.
As the leader of the world’s 5th largest economy according to the International Monetary Fund, Newsom has both the charisma and record necessary to launch a competitive bid. It is likely no coincidence that Newsom is painting himself as a moderate Democrat during this tumultuous time.
On the other side of the country, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is seen as the next generation of the party’s leadership. Despite the fact that President Trump won the swing state in 2024, Shapiro remains incredibly favorable among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike, and was reportedly in contention for the Vice Presidential nominee in 2024 before Tim Walz was chosen.
Shapiro won the state by nearly 15 points in 2022 and has continued to govern as a centrist Democrat. Shapiro’s centrist appeal will likely intrigue powerful members of the party – Harris did not fare well with independents in 2024, and doing well with this bloc of voters is likely the key to the 2028 election.
In summation, the three aforementioned candidates are among the Democrats’ strongest. All feature unique qualities that make them favorable among voters, and all have the political experience needed to govern. Regardless of what happens over the next few years, these figures will make sure to stay in the limelight.
