Potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates are using the 2026 primary cycle to test messaging, build donor networks, and support allies in key congressional and gubernatorial races.
Key facts
- •Rep. Ro Khanna endorsed more than a dozen candidates, including early support for progressive challengers in New Jersey and Illinois.
- •Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has focused on being a 'closer,' including campaigning for candidates in Montana and Michigan.
- •Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spent $10 million on a super PAC to support his preferred candidate in a Senate primary.
- •Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro helped recruit and elevate his preferred candidate in a four-way primary in the state's 7th District.
- •Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has visited most presidential battleground states to support his preferred candidates.
Potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates are actively participating in 2026 primary races to raise their national profiles and establish political alliances. Figures including Reps. Ro Khanna and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pete Buttigieg, and several governors have endorsed candidates in contested primaries. While these efforts serve as a platform for future national bids, the results have been mixed, with some endorsed candidates winning and others failing to secure nominations.
By the numbers
Progressive and Moderate Strategies
Rep. Ro Khanna has been a prolific endorser, often supporting insurgent progressives early in their campaigns. His record includes both successes and losses, such as the defeat of his endorsee in the Wisconsin gubernatorial race. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has taken a more selective approach, focusing on specific battleground races and positioning herself as a closer in the final stages of campaigns. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, representing a moderate lane, has focused on key Senate primaries and battleground districts. His results have also varied, with some of his endorsed candidates winning, such as in Connecticut, while others lost in Minnesota.
Governors Focus on Home Turf
Governors considering presidential bids have largely concentrated their influence within their own states. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker invested $10 million into a super PAC for his preferred candidate, while Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro actively campaigned for his choice in a swing district. This local focus allows governors to demonstrate political power while avoiding the criticism that can come from nationalizing state-level politics.
Varying Levels of Involvement
Not all potential 2028 candidates have been active in the 2026 primaries. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear largely avoided federal race endorsements. Similarly, former Vice President Kamala Harris limited her involvement to a small number of candidates with whom she maintains close personal relationships.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Politico.
