Over Two Dozen Democrats Considering 2028 Presidential Runs, Says Obama Campaign Veteran

More than two dozen Democratic politicians are reportedly weighing bids for the U.S. presidency in 2028, according to Jim Messina, who managed Barack Obama’s 2012 re‑election campaign.

Messina told the BBC’s Americast podcast that, following the party’s strong performance in this week’s U.S. mid‑term elections, he has spoken to “over two dozen campaigns” that are already beginning the financing process and hiring staff. He expects many candidates to launch exploratory committees in the coming weeks, possibly after Thanksgiving.

The former Obama aide, who later served as the president’s deputy chief of staff, said the discussions have centred on each candidate’s economic vision and policies on artificial intelligence. He also noted the strategic dilemma of whether to focus on the outgoing President Donald Trump or to stay on message about other issues.

Messina attributed the Democrats’ mid‑term success to a clear focus on the economy and the impact of Trump’s tariffs on rural voters, citing high diesel prices as an example. He warned that while the party’s message resonated in traditionally Republican states such as Iowa, Kansas and Texas, the upcoming primary will test candidates’ ability to raise the large sums required.

He cautioned that the number of potential contenders could fall as fundraising pressures mount and highlighted the challenge of uniting the party’s progressive and centrist wings in Congress.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Simon Gagner / Pexels.