Incoming Democratic officials in key primary states are receiving outreach from potential 2028 presidential candidates and positioning themselves as influential power brokers.

Following a significant Democratic victory in recent elections, newly elected officials in key early primary states are already engaging with potential 2028 presidential candidates. Figures such as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have contacted incoming representatives and senators to discuss the upcoming presidential contest. This outreach highlights the desire of these new officials to leverage their wins to influence the nomination process in battleground and early primary states.

Outreach from Presidential Contenders

Several would-be White House contenders, including Rahm Emanuel, Mark Kelly, and Cory Booker, have reached out to newly elected Democrats. Incoming officials such as Nancy Lacore, Teresa Benitez-Thompson, Abdul El-Sayed, Chris Pappas, Annie Andrews, and Deb Haaland have received congratulatory calls and requests for future conversations. Morgan Jackson, a senior adviser to North Carolina Senator-elect Roy Cooper, described the volume of contact as significant, noting a desire to have conversations soon.

Positioning as Kingmakers

Some newly elected Democrats are openly positioning themselves as key influencers for the 2028 race. Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed has stated he wants the next nominee to support Medicare for All and share his criticism of U.S. military support for Israel. Incoming Michigan Representative William Lawrence emphasized a mandate to address Big Tech and prevent endless wars. New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland has called for a specific plan for Indian tribes. These officials argue their campaigns offer templates for future White House aspirants.

Impact in South Carolina and New Hampshire

South Carolina, which will hold the first Democratic primary, is seeing a deepened bench of candidates due to the upsets by Annie Andrews and Nancy Lacore. Longtime Representative Jim Clyburn is expected to continue his role as a host and kingmaker, and the three incoming South Carolina Democrats are set to meet on Capitol Hill to plan their work together. In New Hampshire, Senator-elect Chris Pappas and Representative-elect Stefany Shaheen are also positioning themselves as ambassadors for candidates, with Pappas noting that many potential candidates visited the state during the campaign.