Let’s begin this post with the often-required full disclosure: As a registered Independent, I can’t vote in the primaries that take place in my home state. That’s not a complaint; and while some people advocate for open primaries, I’m quite content remaining on the sidelines.
So, as you consider this list of potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates, keep in mind that I won’t be voting for any of them when the primaries roll through Pennsylvania. No matter when the Commonwealth’s date to vote arrives, I won’t be involved in determining the party’s presidential nominee.
This list is little more than one person’s (hopefully) informed opinion. This list is an alphabetical order.
Here we go:
Andy Beshear: He’s the governor of Kentucky; that alone suggests he understands how to get along with the other side.
Cory Booker: Presuming New Jersey voters re-elect him to the Senate in 2026, there’s no doubt he’d have credibility in 2028.
Pete Buttigieg: Will not being in elected office for a few years damage his candidacy?
Kamala Harris: She crashed out in 2020 and ran a dreadful campaign in 2024. Does she get a third chance?
Hakeem Jeffries: Has enjoyed a good run as a leader in the House. Will that be enough?
Wes Moore: The Maryland governor seems to have the necessary ingredients to be a legitimate candidate.
Gavin Newsom: Will his overt lust to the president work for or against him?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: If the party tacks left, way left, here’s your candidate.
J.B. Pritzker: The Illinois governor will stand up to anyone, but will his family wealth be an asset or a hindrance?
Josh Shapiro: If the party thinks its path to success is with a real centrist, then the Pennsylvania governor might be the guy.
Tim Walz: The Minnesota governor was a better candidate than Harris; he connects with people, and that’s important.
Gretchen Whitmer: A strong track record of success sets her up for a long look by the voters.
WAIT A MINUTE! you’re screaming. WHAT ABOUT…
Ruben Gallego: No doubt that the Arizona senator will be able to highlight a strong personal and political background. At minimum, he might be a strong vice-presidential choice, if he isn’t at the top of the ticket.
Jon Ossoff: He’s a senator from reliably red Georgia. But has he spent enough time in the Senate to build a national base?
Stephen A. Smith: If the Democrats are stupid enough to nominate this bloviator with zero political chops, then they deserve to get wiped out in 2028.