What changed
More than two dozen Democratic campaigns are exploring 2028 presidential bids after the party’s gains in congressional and state elections. Jim Messina, Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign chief, says some are already raising money and hiring staff, with exploratory committees possibly coming after Thanksgiving.
Why it matters
The Democratic field is forming unusually early, but it is not yet a field of declared candidates. The identities of viable contenders remain unclear, and fundraising demands could quickly thin the ranks.
Messina says the early conversations are already centering on two questions: what each candidate’s economic vision would be and what they would do about artificial intelligence. That points to a contest over policy, not just personalities.
Donald Trump is expected to remain president during the 2028 campaign season, creating a strategic choice for Democrats. They can make Trump the daily focus, or try to hold voters with the economic message Messina says helped the party win midterm races, including in Iowa, Kansas and Texas.
Messina credits that message, and criticism of Trump’s tariffs, with helping Democrats connect with voters facing high costs. He also warns that the midterm result was not a full endorsement of the party. The harder test will be keeping its progressive and centrist wings together once governing power is in hand.
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