{"id":64249,"date":"2025-07-14T07:04:14","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T07:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/64249\/"},"modified":"2025-07-14T07:04:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T07:04:14","slug":"newsom-other-democrats-are-lining-up-for-2028-presidential-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/64249\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsom, other Democrats are lining up for 2028 presidential race"},"content":{"rendered":"

SENECA, S.C. (AP) \u2014 The first presidential primary votes won\u2019t be cast for another two and a half years. And yet, over the span of 10 days in July, three Democratic<\/a> presidential prospects are scheduled to campaign in South Carolina.<\/p>\n

Nearly a half dozen others have made recent pilgrimages to South Carolina, New Hampshire and Iowa \u2014 states that traditionally host the nation\u2019s opening presidential nomination contests. Still other ambitious Democrats are having private conversations with officials on the ground there. <\/p>\n

The voters in these states are used to seeing presidential contenders months or even years before most of the country, but the political jockeying in 2025 for the 2028 presidential contest appears to be playing out earlier, with more frequency and with less pretense than ever before.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Gov.<\/p>\n

Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., gives remarks to a crowd at St. Paul First Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Laurens, S.C. (AP Photo\/Meg Kinnard)<\/p>\n

Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., gives remarks to a crowd at St. Paul First Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Laurens, S.C. (AP Photo\/Meg Kinnard)<\/p>\n

Read More<\/p>\n

California Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/a> was referred to as a presidential candidate at one stop in his two-day South Carolina tour<\/a> last week. Voters shouted \u201c2028!\u201d after he insisted he was there simply to strengthen the party ahead of the 2026 midterms. South Carolina has virtually no competitive midterm contests.<\/p>\n

Term-limited Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear<\/a>, who acknowledges he\u2019s considering a 2028 bid, will spend two days touring South Carolina this week. He will focus on the state\u2019s Black community while drawing an implicit contrast with Newsom on cultural issues, according to excerpts of his planned remarks obtained by The Associated Press.<\/p>\n

California Congressman Ro Khanna<\/a>, a progressive aligned with the Bernie Sanders<\/a> \u2019 wing of the Democratic Party, will target union members and Black voters when he\u2019s in the state a few days later with the son of a civil rights leader.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Rep.<\/p>\n

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., speaks to the City Club of Cleveland, in Cleveland, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo\/Sue Ogrocki, File)<\/p>\n

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., speaks to the City Club of Cleveland, in Cleveland, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo\/Sue Ogrocki, File)<\/p>\n

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And former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel<\/a> is having private conversations with key South Carolina Democrats, including presidential primary kingmaker Rep. Jim Clyburn, in which Emanuel indicated strong interest in a presidential run. That\u2019s according to Clyburn himself, who said he\u2019s also had direct contact with Beshear and Khanna after appearing alongside Newsom last week and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore<\/a> in May. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what candidates have to do: position themselves and be ready when lightning strikes,\u201d Clyburn said. <\/p>\n

Democrats look to turn the page from 2024<\/p>\n

The unusually early jockeying is playing out as the Democratic Party struggles to repair its brand, rebuild its message and fill a leadership vacuum after losing the White House and both chambers of Congress in 2024<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Democrats are decidedly more optimistic about 2028. <\/p>\n

Republicans will not have the advantage of incumbency in the next presidential contest; the Constitution bars President Donald Trump<\/a> from seeking a third term. And the race for the Democratic nomination appears to be wide open, even as 2024 nominee Kamala Harris<\/a> and running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz<\/a>, have left open the possibility of running again.<\/p>\n

With no clear front-runner, some Democratic operatives believe upwards of 30 high-profile Democrats could ultimately enter the 2028 primary \u2014 more than the party\u2019s overpacked 2020 field.<\/p>\n

And as Democrats struggle to stop Trump\u2019s power grabs in Washington, some report a real sense of urgency to get the 2028 process started.<\/p>\n

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett<\/a>, a rising Democratic star, told the AP earlier this year that presidential prospects \u201cneed to be more visible earlier\u201d as party officials look to take cues from a new generation of leaders. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat freaks most Democrats out is not really understanding who\u2019s up next. Like, who\u2019s got next?\u201d she said. \u201cAnd I think that that is really what people want most; they want their presidential nominee now.\u201d <\/p>\n

A Kentucky Democrat steps into the conversation<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Kentucky<\/p>\n

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear delivers his State of The Commonwealth address in the House chamber at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo\/Timothy D. Easley, File)<\/p>\n

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear delivers his State of The Commonwealth address in the House chamber at the State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo\/Timothy D. Easley, File)<\/p>\n

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Beshear, Kentucky\u2019s 47-year-old two-term governor, is scheduled to make his first visit to South Carolina on political grounds on Wednesday and Thursday.<\/p>\n

He will promote his appeal among red-state moderates and Black voters in a Thursday speech hosted by the Georgetown County Democrats in a region that voted three times for Trump and has a large Black population.<\/p>\n

\u201cDemocrats have a huge opportunity to seize the middle and win back the voters who have been increasingly skeptical of the Democratic brand. But it\u2019s going to take focus and discipline,\u201d Beshear is expected to say, according to speech excerpts obtained by the AP.<\/p>\n

There are no direct jabs at Newsom in the excerpts, but Beshear is expected to continue drawing contrasts with the California governor, who earlier this year suggested his party went too far in embracing \u201cwoke\u201d priorities. In his prepared remarks, Beshear doesn\u2019t shy away from such progressive cultural issues. <\/p>\n

He will note he made Juneteenth<\/a> an executive branch holiday for the first time in Kentucky, signed an executive order that prohibits discrimination against state workers for how they wear their hair and ordered the removal of a statue of Jefferson Davis<\/a>, who served as the president of the Confederacy during the Civil War.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe current federal administration wants to make diversity a dirty word,\u201d Beshear plans to say. \u201cThey want people to believe that equity means everyone isn\u2019t worthy of opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who else is stepping up?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Former<\/p>\n

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks during a VoteVets Town Hall, May 13, 2025, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (AP Photo\/Cliff Jette, File)<\/p>\n

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks during a VoteVets Town Hall, May 13, 2025, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (AP Photo\/Cliff Jette, File)<\/p>\n

Read More<\/p>\n

Already this year, Walz of Minnesota and Moore of Maryland have addressed South Carolina Democrats. <\/p>\n

Biden Cabinet member Pete Buttigieg<\/a>, a 2020 presidential candidate, hosted a town hall in Iowa in May. The month before, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker<\/a> headlined a Democratic fundraiser in New Hampshire.<\/p>\n

Others are moving more cautiously. <\/p>\n

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro<\/a> has avoided any early state travel this year, focusing instead on his 2026 reelection. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer<\/a> has also focused largely on her day job. Both would be top-tier presidential candidates should they decide to run. <\/p>\n

Khanna has been working to build his national profile since before the last election with frequent trips to New Hampshire, among other early voting states. <\/p>\n

The California congressman is scheduled to host two town-hall style meetings in South Carolina this weekend with Illinois Rep. Jonathan Jackson, the son of civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Khanna casts his lower profile \u2014 at least compared to potential competitors like Newsom and Shapiro \u2014 as an asset when asked about his party\u2019s early 2028 field.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s very different than in the past when you\u2019ve had clear defined leaders of the party. I think that\u2019s healthy. There is no status quo person,\u201d Khanna said. \u201dMy guess is the last thing the party is going to want is more of the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

Newsom\u2019s South Carolina dance<\/p>\n

Newsom spent much of last year denying interest in a presidential run. But with his final term as governor set to expire at the end of next year, his 2028 ambitions are starting to emerge more publicly.<\/p>\n

During his recent South Carolina tour, Newsom only smiled when voters shouted \u201c2028!\u201d after he referenced his focus on the 2026 midterms.<\/p>\n

Clyburn said openly what the California governor would not. Appearing with Newsom, Clyburn encouraged local Democrats to be energized by the visits of \u201cpresidential candidates\u201d coming early and often to their state. <\/p>\n

Newsom looked around, seemingly seeking the object of Clyburn\u2019s remark, as the crowd laughed. <\/p>\n

In an interview afterward, Clyburn said he doesn\u2019t have an early favorite in the 2028 Democratic nomination contest. <\/p>\n

New Hampshire remains a player<\/p>\n

Pritzker headlined a key state fundraiser in New Hampshire in May. And state Democratic leaders are privately encouraging other 2028 prospects to visit the state. <\/p>\n

Unlike South Carolina, New Hampshire features two competitive House races and a top-tier Senate election next year. <\/p>\n

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar<\/a>, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, campaigned Friday in the state with Rep. Chris Pappas<\/a>, who is expected to represent Democrats on the Senate ballot next fall. <\/p>\n

In a brief interview, she insisted her only purpose was backing Pappas\u2019 campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am here to help my friend,\u201d she said. \u201cI know a lot of people here and I want to put it to use in a good way.\u201d<\/p>\n

What do the voters say?<\/p>\n

It may be early, but some Democratic voters and local officials say they\u2019re ready to get the cycle started. <\/p>\n

Jody Gaulin, the Democratic chair of a deep-red South Carolina county, is hoping the energy that comes along with potential candidates could boost her party\u2019s ranks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is exactly what we\u2019ve been waiting for,\u201d Gaulin said. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s much the same in New Hampshire. <\/p>\n

Democrat Jane Lescynski, who works at the manufacturing facility Klobuchar toured Friday, had a quick answer when asked her thoughts about the 2028 presidential election. <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

Peoples reported from New York. Ramer reported from Gilsum, New Hampshire.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"SENECA, S.C. (AP) \u2014 The first presidential primary votes won\u2019t be cast for another two and a half…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":64250,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[45816,3666,45807,10635,20148,2059,276,45817,7837,69,90,1854,57,2055,45810,51,1819,1818,45808,45813,45812,23394,45815,45814,10577,8591,27593,357,371,28022,564,8006,3663,3669,991,50,2112,45811,80,25455,32857,3036,3665,52,89,61,333,45809],"class_list":{"0":"post-64249","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-2024-united-states-presidential-election","9":"tag-amy-klobuchar","10":"tag-andy-beshear","11":"tag-bernie-sanders","12":"tag-black-experience","13":"tag-ca-state-wire","14":"tag-california","15":"tag-chris-pappas","16":"tag-democracy","17":"tag-donald-trump","18":"tag-elections","19":"tag-gavin-newsom","20":"tag-general-news","21":"tag-government-and-politics","22":"tag-gretchen-whitmer","23":"tag-headlines","24":"tag-il-state-wire","25":"tag-illinois","26":"tag-james-clyburn","27":"tag-jane-lescynski","28":"tag-jasmine-crockett","29":"tag-jesse-jackson","30":"tag-jody-gaulin","31":"tag-jonathan-jackson","32":"tag-josh-shapiro","33":"tag-jr","34":"tag-kamala-harris","35":"tag-kentucky","36":"tag-kentucky-state-government","37":"tag-ky-state-wire","38":"tag-maryland","39":"tag-md-state-wire","40":"tag-minnesota","41":"tag-mn-state-wire","42":"tag-new-hampshire","43":"tag-news","44":"tag-nh-state-wire","45":"tag-pete-buttigieg","46":"tag-politics","47":"tag-rahm-emanuel","48":"tag-sc-state-wire","49":"tag-south-carolina","50":"tag-tim-walz","51":"tag-top-stories","52":"tag-u-s-democratic-party","53":"tag-u-s-news","54":"tag-voting","55":"tag-wes-moore"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64249","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64249"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64249\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}