Democrats are turning their attention to the 2028 presidential election after securing sweeping victories in the 2026 midterm elections, with a potentially crowded primary expected to test the party’s competing political ideologies.
With no clear frontrunner, the Democratic presidential field could include dozens of contenders, according to party strategists.
Potential candidates have spent months building relationships with donors, increasing their national visibility and visiting states that traditionally hold early presidential nominating contests.
READ: Democrats poised to take control of both chambers of Congress (November 3, 2026)
The Nov. 3 midterm results, which delivered a significant electoral setback to President Donald Trump and Republicans, have also intensified discussions about the direction Democrats should take to challenge the Republican Party in 2028.
Despite their victories, Democrats remain divided over whether to adopt a more centrist approach or move further left on issues including health care, taxation, policing and foreign policy.
Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik said both moderate and progressive factions could interpret the election results as validation of their political positions.
“All kinds of wings of the Democratic Party can find affirmation in the results last night,” Sosnik said Wednesday. He added that the party should not attempt to suppress its internal disagreements.
One of the notable progressive victories came in Michigan, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in the Senate race.
El-Sayed’s victory made him the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate and marked a significant win for the party’s progressive wing.
Several Democrats have either acknowledged considering a presidential campaign or declined to rule one out.
The potential contenders include former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in 2024; California Gov. Gavin Newsom; Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear; former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
However, none of the representatives for nine prominent potential contenders contacted by Reuters confirmed that their candidates would run in 2028.
The party’s ideological differences are also expected to feature at a Nov. 12 gathering in Denver hosted by Majority Democrats. Buttigieg and California Rep. Ro Khanna are among the prospective candidates expected to attend.
The organization, which receives backing largely from moderate Democrats and billionaire donor Steve Mandel, advocates younger party leadership and a more centrist platform.
Its chairman, Massachusetts Rep. Jake Auchincloss, said the gathering aims to encourage discussions about the party’s future and establish a positive agenda focused on what Democrats support rather than simply opposing Trump.
Democratic strategist Scott Ferson estimated that at least 30 Democrats were discussing the possibility of entering the presidential race with people close to them.
Republicans face a different challenge as they consider potential successors to Trump, who is constitutionally barred from being elected to a third presidential term.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among the most frequently discussed Republican prospects.
However, both have stopped short of announcing presidential campaigns.
Vance faces the challenge of separating himself from Trump’s policies while remaining part of his administration.
He acknowledged on Wednesday that the unpopular war in Iran had hurt Republicans in the midterm elections, although his comments did not amount to a clear break with the president.
READ: US midterms 2026: Betting markets give Democrats 94% chance of winning the house (November 3, 2026)
Vance has also said family considerations could influence his decision about running in 2028, and Rubio has said he has no current plans to seek the presidency.
Other Republicans mentioned as possible contenders include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who previously challenged Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
The eventual Republican nominee will face the challenge of maintaining Trump’s MAGA supporters while expanding the party’s appeal among voters who shifted toward Democrats in the midterm elections.