Democrats are already looking ahead to positioning themselves for the party’s leadership after Vice President Kamala Harris’ defeat to President-elect Donald Trump. Approximately two dozen party figures, including governors and lawmakers, are being touted as potential leaders to guide the party out of the wilderness in response to Trump’s second term and in preparation for the 2028 presidential primary.
Democratic governors elected in 2018 and 2022 are seen as having an advantage in terms of distance from President Joe Biden’s administration and the ability to take on Trump with state executive authority. Figures like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker are being watched closely as potential contenders.
The party’s high-profile governors, including Newsom and Pritzker, are already positioning themselves as vocal critics of Trump. Other rising stars, like Shapiro and Whitmer, are also being considered top presidential contenders based on their electoral records and popularity among Democrats.
In addition to governors, other potential Democratic candidates include senators like Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, and Mark Kelly, as well as representatives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna. The party is also considering outsiders like businessman Mark Cuban as potential candidates to lead the party forward.
Overall, Democrats are looking for candidates who can effectively stand up for the party’s values in the face of Trumpism. Charisma, reach, and authenticity will be prioritized over purity, with a focus on picking a winner who can appeal to a broad range of voters and lead the party to success.
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