Politics

More Than Two Dozen Democrats Discuss 2028 Presidential Campaigns, Says Former Obama Campaign Leader

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More Than Two Dozen Democrats Discuss 2028 Presidential Campaigns, Says Former Obama Campaign Leader

Jim Messina, who ran Barack Obama’s 2012 re‑election campaign, told the BBC’s Americast podcast that over two dozen Democratic campaigns are actively considering a 2028 presidential bid. Messina said the party’s recent midterm successes, which included gains in congressional and state races, have prompted him to speak with more than 24 campaigns that have begun fundraising and hiring staff. He predicts that exploratory committees will start filing in the weeks after Thanksgiving. Messina noted that some potential candidates are already relocating to work on a governor’s presidential campaign. He cautioned that the number of serious contenders could shrink as candidates face the need to raise large sums for the primary contests that will determine the nominee.

Messina explained that when he meets with candidates he asks about their economic vision and plans for artificial intelligence. He also highlighted the influence of incumbent President Donald Trump, who will still be in office during the campaign season, and asked whether Democrats will focus on Trump or stay on their own message. "It’s going to be the most interesting presidential election since 2008," he said.

Messina attributed the Democrats’ midterm gains to a focus on the economy and the impact of Trump’s tariffs, which he described as "devastating to rural voters." He cited the high cost of diesel for farmers and the overall rise in prices as key factors that helped flip seats in traditionally Republican states such as Iowa, Kansas and Texas. He said that for the first time in a long time, Democrats were able to stick to a single message and avoided the social wars.

Messina warned that the midterm victories do not constitute a definitive endorsement of the party and that the real challenge will be uniting the progressive and centrist wings of Congress. He noted that the "MVP of the election for the Democrats was Donald Trump."

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