Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) expressed his preference for the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee to be a fellow governor during a recent conversation with Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD). Beshear, who leads the Democratic Governors Association, emphasized the effectiveness of governors in comparison to Washington lawmakers, stating, "I think Democratic governors should be the face of the Democratic Party." In the discussion, Beshear hinted that his 2023 reelection might not be his last campaign, although he clarified that his comments were not a presidential announcement. He also mentioned his commitment to not leaving a "broken country" for future generations.
The conversation included speculation about the possibility of Beshear and Moore running as a team in the future. However, they face competition from prominent House Democrats with strong personalities and online followings, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, among others.
The Democratic Party is looking to regain the White House after the 2024 election, which has left the party in a challenging position. Political scientist Christopher Galdieri noted that the appeal of a governor could resemble that of Bill Clinton in 1992, who reset the party's image and approach. However, some Democrats believe that charisma will be a more significant factor in the 2028 nomination process.
Michael Ceraso, a Democratic strategist, suggested that gubernatorial experience might be a liability in the primary field, as candidates could face scrutiny over their records. The last Democratic governor to win the presidency was Bill Clinton in 1992, who campaigned on economic issues.
Several potential candidates are actively raising funds for upcoming elections, with some, like Newsom, engaging in online confrontations with Trump to energize the Democratic base. Beshear's two-term governorship in a red state may provide him with a unique perspective, although Kentucky's poverty rate exceeds the national average.
Newsom has indicated he would not run if Harris enters the race, while Harris continues to lead early polling. Some Democrats express skepticism about Shapiro's candidacy due to his strong support for Israel, and there are questions about Moore's ability to win key battleground states.
Kaivan Shroff, a political communications professional, noted that Pritzker is positioning himself for a potential run, having criticized the Republican National Committee and launched a PAC to support House Democrats. Ceraso described Pritzker as a wildcard with progressive credentials and likable personality traits.
The outcome of the midterm elections will likely influence the dynamics of the 2028 race, with Galdieri suggesting that success in traditionally red states could change the landscape of potential candidates. Beshear acknowledged the depth of the Democratic bench, indicating a variety of strong candidates for the upcoming election.