Jared Polis Colorado

Analysis Of Potential Democratic Presidential Contenders In 2028, But Who Are The Likely Serious Contenders?

Ronald 4 Comments

We are months away from the true beginning of the 2028 Presidential race, which will be in full blossom the day after the Midterm Elections take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

However, already, there are clearcut signs of activities and planning moving ahead, with the strong likelihood that we might see an overwhelming number of Democrats announcing for President, with the number possibly as high as in the mid 20s, similar to several past Presidential campaigns.

Many contenders will not be taken seriously, but even announcing for President gains lots of publicity and attention for any future ambitions.

At this point, the following ten potential contenders for the White House on the Democratic side, would seem to be the following in no specific order:

California Governor Gavin Newsom
Illinois Governor JD Pritzker
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
Maryland Governor Wes Moore
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker
Former Vice President Kamala Harris (California)

There is speculation about a wide variety of other potential candidates.

Other seen as far less likely include:

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff
Hawaii Governor Josh Green
Colorado Governor Jared Polis
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock

Those from the House of Representatives mentioned, although never has a member of the lower house of Congress been nominated, with the one exception of James A. Garfield, for the Republicans in 1880, while also a candidate for the US Senate, which he won on the same day he won the White House, are:

New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
California Congressman Ro Khanna

From outside government, those mentioned include

Stephen A. Smith, sports media personality
Jon Stewart, commedian and commentator
Mark Cuban, Entrepreneur and Television Personality
Rahm Emanuel, former Ambassador to Japan and Mayor of Chicago

At this point, the odds would be very great that one of the first group of ten would be the nominee.

However, within that group, “negative” factors could be that

Kamala Harris is African American, Asian American, and female

Wes Moore and Cory Booker are African American

JD Pritzker and Josh Shapiro are Jewish

Pete Buttigieg is gay

Only Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear, Mark Kelly, and Chris Murphy would be seen as “traditional” contenders, meaning they are white male and straight, a sad commentary on America, that one even needs to mention that being a woman, or African American, or Jewish, or gay, is outside the so called “mainstream” of American politics in the past!

If we analyzed the remaining listed potential candidates for the Democrats, it would show the following:

Female—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Gretchen Whitmer, Elissa Slotkin

African American or Asian American—Raphael Warnock, Stephen A. Smith, Ro Khanna

Latino American—Ruben Gallego, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Jewish—Elissa Slotkin, Jon Ossoff, Josh Green, Jared Polis, Jon Stewart, Mark Cuban, Rahm Emanuel

Gay—Jared Polis

So in conclusion, IF these various distinguishing factors are seen as detrimental in a Presidential campaign, then the choice that is left is only:

Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear, Mark Kelly, Chris Murphy

The Issue Of Age And Potential Democratic Presidential Contenders In 2028

Ronald 7 Comments

The issue of age is a consideration as Democrats plan for the upcoming Presidential nomination process for the Presidential Election of 2028, once the Midterms in November are resolved.

With the last two Presidents being the oldest nominees and Presidents in American history, and the reality of signs of aging that have been exposed about both Joe Biden and Donald Trump, age is definitely an important consideration.

So this author and blogger has done research into the present age of the list of 25 potential contenders discussed two days ago on this blog.

Of course, the age of all 25 will increase by three years until the inauguration on January 20, 2029, so that is a consideration beyond the momentary statistics at this point of time.

Presently, there are two potential contenders who are in their late 30s–Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (36) and Jon Ossoff (39), so Ocasio-Cortez would still be under age 40 at the time of the inauguration, while Ossoff would be early 40s at nearly age 42, still in either case, the youngest President in American history.

Six of the potential Presidential contenders are presently in their 40s, bringing back the memory of John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Presently, they are Pete Buttigieg (44), Ruben Gallego (46), Wes Moore (47), Andy Beshear (48), Elissa Slotkin (49), and Ro Khanna (49). Of course, by Inauguration Day 2029, only Buttigieg and Gallego will still be under 50.

Eight of the potential Presidential contenders are presently in their 50s, including Jared Polis (50), Josh Shapiro (52), Chris Murphy (52), Gretchen Whitmer (54), Cory Booker (56), Raphael Warnock (56), Josh Green (56), and Gavin Newsom (58). All would still be under the age of 60, except Newsom, on Inauguration Day 2029.

Finally, nine of the potential Presidential contenders are presently in their 60s, including Mark Kelly (61) Kamala Harris (61), JB Pritzker (61), Jon Stewart (63), Jamie Raskin (63), Adam Schiff (65), Rahm Emanuel (66); Chris Van Hollen (67), and Mark Cuban (67).

So both Chris Van Hollen and Mark Cuban would be past the age of 70 on Inauguration Day, and Adam Schiff and Rahm Emanuel would reach age 70 during their four year term in office.

It is likely some of this long list of 25 contenders will end up not announcing, but this analysis of age is enlightening for discussion!

An All Time High Number Of Potential Jewish Democratic Presidential Contenders In 2028!

Ronald Leave a comment

There is a possibility that America might see an all time high number of potential Democratic Presidential contenders who are of Jewish heritage in the upcoming Presidential Election of 2028.

As now perceived, there could be ELEVEN Jewish contenders:

Governors
Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania
JD Pritzker of Illinois
Jared Polis of Colorado
Josh Green of Hawaii

Senators
Jon Ossoff of Georgia
Elissa Slotkin of Michigan
Adam Schiff of California

House Of Representatives
Jamie Raskin of Maryland

Cabinet and Ambassadorships
Rahm Emanuel of Illinois

Outside of Government
Mark Cuban
Jon Stewart

Speculation Begins On Potential Democratic Presidential Contenders

Ronald 6 Comments

It is nine months until the Midterm Elections of 2026 for Congress, and state and local government.

But already, speculation has begun on who might run for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2028, and the list is long, and not just the usual speculated candidates.

Among those assumed to be likely to run are, in no special order:

Former Vice President Kamala Harris
California Governor Gavin Newsom
New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

But beyond these much speculated potential candidates, there is a much longer list of others, in no special order:

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy
Maryland Governor Wes Moore
Former Chicago Mayor and Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel
California Congressman Ro Khanna
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff
Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego
Billionaire Entrepreneur Mark Cuban
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin
Hawaii Governor Josh Green
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen
Comedian and Political Commentator Jon Stewart
Colorado Governor Jared Polis
California Senator Adam Schiff

So the total potential list is at least 25 candidates, and who knows, if someone not on this list joins the fray!

There are 8 Governors on the list; 9 US Senators; 3 House members; two former Mayors and Cabinet members or Ambassadors; two outside government leaders; and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

And the list is extremely diverse in nature, including:

4 Women
6 White Male Christian
2 Latinos
4 African Americans
1 Hindu
11 Jews
2 Gays
2 Outside of Government

Incumbent Democratic Gubernatorial Races In 2026 And Potential Of Democratic Gubernatorial Presidential Nominee In 2028!

Ronald 5 Comments

Many Democratic Governors are seeking reelection, and are in good shape to win in November 2026.

This includes the following Incumbent Governors:

Arizona–Katie Hobbs
Connecticut–Ned Lamont
Hawaii–Josh Green
Illinois–JD Pritzker
Maryland–Wes Moore
Massachusetts–Maura Healey
New York–Kathy Hochul
Oregon–Tina Kotek
Pennsylvania–Josh Shapiro
Rhode Island–Dan McKee

Included in the above list are three Governors who are perceived as likely Presidential contenders for the Democratic Party in 2028—JD Pritzker, Wes Moore, and Josh Shapiro.

Three “retiring” Democratic Governors are also seen as likely to be Presidential contenders:

California—Gavin Newsom
Colorado—Jared Polis
Michigan—Gretchen Whitmer

There certainly is no lack of qualified and competent Governors in the Democratic Party, and the odds that a sitting or former Governor might be the Democratic Presidential nominee in 2028 is quite high!

Democratic Governors Rich Mine For Presidency!

Ronald 9 Comments

It turns out that in the midst of the Trump Authoritarian Crisis the nation faces, that it is much more Democratic Governors than Democratic members of Congress who are actively on the attack against the abuses perpetrated by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and the utilization of the National Guard in Washington DC, Los Angeles, and threatened expansion to Chicago and other “Blue” cities and states.

In so doing, the following group of Governors are raising attention as leading potential Democratic Presidential contenders for 2028, including

Gavin Newsom of California
JD Pritzker of Illinois
Wes Moore of Maryland
Andy Beshear of Kentucky
Tim Walz of Minnesota
Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan
Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania

In addition, other Democratic Governors, although not seen as likely Presidential contenders, are actively challenging the Trump policies including:

Kathy Hochul of New York
Ned Lamont of Connecticut
Jared Polis of Colorado
Katie Hobbs of Arizona
Maura Healey of Massachusetts
Phil Murphy of New Jersey
Josh Stein of North Carolina
Tony Evers of Wisconsin

Inspirational Members Of Congress Fighting Trump

Ronald 10 Comments

At a time when the Democratic Party has very low public opinion ratings, after the disappointing loss of Kamala Harris to Donald Trump, and the loss of three Senate seats, there are a group of inspirational members of the party in both houses of Congress who are actively campaigning in Republican districts, and speaking out with force against the terrible and tragic effects of Trump.

They include the following in the House of Represenatives

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York
Jasmine Crockett of Texas
Maxwell Frost of Florida
Robert Garcia of California
Ro Khanna of California
Jamie Raskin of Maryland

In the Senate, they include:

Cory Booker of New Jersey
Chris Murphy of Connecticut
Adam Schiff of California
Chris Van Hollen of Maryland
Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
Bernie Sanders of Vermont

Some of these members, many of them very young, are seen as the long term future of the party, and some are perceived as potential presidential contenders in the future, including

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Ro Khanna
Cory Booker
Chris Murphy

Of course, there are others, including state governors who are making clear of their pursuit of challenging the actions of Donald Trump, including

JB Pritzker of Illinois
Andy Beshear of Kentucky
Wes Moore of Maryland
Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania
Jared Polis of Colorado

So in the midst of difficult times, there are hopes for the future, as the “bench” of the Democratic Party is strong and vibrant!

A Multitude Of Qualified Democrats For 2028, As Party Assesses The Future!

admin 19 Comments

A week after the disturbing defeat of Kamala Harris, causing great distress and dismay among Democrats, including this author and blogger, it is important to learn from the disappointment and plan for the future.

The Democratic Party cannot move toward the center Right, if it means ever to offer a reasonable alternative.

However, that does not mean that it should adopt Bernie Sanders Left Wing type progressivism, which, despite what some say, would never be accepted by voters at large as an alternative in the future.

The party needs to continue to promote mainstream progressivism and liberalism, including labor rights, protection of the environment, and enforcement of basic civil rights for the growing Latino minority, African Americans, Asian Americans, gays and lesbians, and women, along with promotion of more voter education as to the details and effects of government policies.

The idea that Latino males, young people, and white women would think of Donald Trump as the better alternative is shocking, so therefore the need for greater voter education is essential.

And as the Democrats ponder their future, it is blessed with a multitude of qualified Presidential contenders!

This includes the following Governors:

Gavin Newsom, California
Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania
Wes Moore, Maryland
Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan
Andy Beshear, Kentucky
J D Pritzker, Illinois
Jared Polis, Colorado
Tim Walz, Minnesota
Josh Stein, North Carolina

Additionally, there are US Senators in the mix, including

Christoper Murphy, Connecticut
Jon Ossoff, Georgia
Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota
Cory Booker, New Jersey

Also, present Transportation Secretary and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who is rumored to be planning to run for Michigan Governor, to succeed Gretchen Whitmer, who is term limited from running for reelection in 2026.

To assume that Donald Trump and his party will be able to keep public opinion on his side over the next four years is failing to realize that it is certain there will be a major negative reaction to the agenda that is now being imposed on America by aggressive and extreme Right wing forces!

Democrats must be optimistic and willing to work hard for the future of common decency and empathy as part of American principles!

Governorship Term Limits Likely To Affect Future Presidential Campaigns

Ronald Leave a comment

The American Presidency was limited in allowable terms of office by the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution in 1951, after passage by Congress in 1947, two years after Franklin D. Roosevelt, elected to a fourth term in the White House, died 82 days into that fourth term.

So even popular Presidents such as Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1950s, Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, and Barack Obama in the 2010s, could not have returned to the Presidency at any point after their two terms in office.

The issue of term limits also affects state governorships, as 23 states limit governors to two terms maximum consecutive terms. Three other states allow a return after one four year term away from the governorship, and one allows a return after two four year terms away from the governorship. And nine states have a lifetime limit of two terms.

So a total of 36 states limit gubernatorial terms in some form. And one state (Virginia) limits any governor to one term.

So only 13 states have no term limits, including Vermont and New Hampshire, which have terms of two years, not four years!

So when one analyzes these realities, it means governors such as the following, would have to be considered potential Presidential contenders in the future!

Ron DeSantis of Florida
Jared Polis of Colorado
Gavin Newsom of California
Brian Kemp of Georgia
Andy Beshear of Kentucky
Wes Moore of Maryland
Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan
Phil Murphy of New Jersey
Roy Cooper of North Carolina
Doub Burgum of North Dakota
Mike DeWine of Ohio
Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania
Kristi Noem of South Dakota
Glenn Youngkin of Virginia

All of the above 14, 6 Republicans and 8 Democrats, would be out of the governorship, or finishing a second term by the time of the Presidential Election of 2028.

Besides Republicans DeSantis and Burgum, who are already seeking the Presidency, there are strong rumors that other Republican Governors, Youngkin and Noem, might enter the race belatedly, and Kemp and DeWine are long shots for now or 2028!

And certainly, Democrats on this list are not running in 2024, due to Joe Biden, but certainly, it would seem likely that Polis, Newsom, Moore, Whitmer, Murphy, and Shapiro are all likely to plan to run in 2028. Less likely would be Beshear and Cooper, but being from states that Democrats have more difficulty winning, who can say they would not enter the race for President in 2028?

Republican Governors Vs Democratic Governors: The Future Battles!

Ronald Leave a comment

As one looks ahead to future political battles, one cannot ignore the growing role of Republican governors being challenged by Democratic governors, usually a “fraternity” in which the members share a “camaraderie”, but not so in 2023, 2024, and beyond!

A number of former or sitting Republican governors are seen as likely to seek the Presidency, and even those who are not seeking to “move up” are engaged in “culture wars”.

Meanwhile, Democratic governors seem unlikely to enter the Presidential race for 2024, standing by while President Joe Biden moves to run for a second term, but they are “backups” in case the situation changes, and are certainly to be seen as part of the long term future of the Democratic Party, even more than sitting members of the US Senate.

The list of Republican governors includes Ron DeSantis of Florida; Greg Abbott of Texas; Kristi Noem of South Dakota; Glenn Youngkin of Virginia; Brian Kemp of Georgia; Chris Sununu of New Hampshire; and former Governors Larry Hogan of Maryland and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas.

The Democratic list of the Governorships has potential future Presidential contenders, including Gavin Newsom of California; J. B. Pritzker of Illinois; Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan; Jared Polis of Colorado; Jay Inslee of Washington; Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania; Wes Moore of Maryland; Phil Murphy of New Jersey; Andy Beshear of Kentucky; and Roy Cooper of North Carolina.

Never have we had so many state governors seen as potential Presidential contenders, with the reminder that in the past 100 years, we have had the following Presidents who were state governors: Calvin Coolidge, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.