In a dramatic shift from the time-honored tradition of political coyness, several prominent Democratic figures are now openly discussing their ambitions for the 2028 presidential race, signaling a new era of transparency and authenticity in American politics. The move comes as the Democratic Party, still reeling from recent transitions and facing a leadership vacuum, looks toward the future with a wide-open field and no clear frontrunner in sight.
According to ABC News, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker recently dispensed with the usual hedging, telling Fox News during a visit to New Hampshire, “Of course I’m thinking about it. I haven’t ruled it out.” Booker, who is up for reelection in 2026, added, “I’d be lying otherwise. I’d just be lying and I can’t do that.” His candor marks a sharp departure from previous election cycles, where hopefuls would often travel to early-voting states under the guise of supporting other candidates, carefully sidestepping any direct admission of their own presidential dreams.
California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed this new openness in an interview with CBS, stating that he hasn’t ruled out a 2028 run after the midterms next year. “Old rules just don’t apply to anything anymore,” Jess O’Connell, a Democratic strategist who advised Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 campaign, told NewsLooks. “You’ve got to be out there every single day fighting and sharing your vision. And I think the more runway they have to talk to people in this moment and to communicate about meeting the needs of the future, then the better.”
Other Democrats openly considering a 2028 bid include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, former Chicago Mayor and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, and Hawaii Governor Josh Green, as reported by both ABC News and NewsLooks. Their willingness to acknowledge their ambitions reflects not only the absence of a clear party leader following President Joe Biden’s departure from the national stage, but also a growing demand from Democratic voters for authenticity and straight talk.
Political strategists argue that the crowded, leaderless field makes early visibility not just advantageous, but essential. Alex Conant, a veteran of the presidential campaigns of Marco Rubio and Tim Pawlenty, told ABC News, “I think the Democratic primary is going to be the longest primary of our life. It’s hard to recall a field that is this wide open. And the Democratic base is so hungry for someone to take on Trump and win back the White House. The more crowded it is, the more important it is to start early.”
Conant also pointed out a broader shift in voter attitudes: “One of the takeaways from Trump is that people want authenticity. Voters are rejecting candidates who sound like politicians, so the rhetorical tricks that politicians have used for decades to avoid answering questions now just irritate voters.” This sentiment is echoed by O’Connell, who said, “Authenticity matters now more than ever.”
Not all Democrats, however, are eager to embrace this new era of transparency. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, for example, played coy during a recent interview with journalist Kara Swisher, repeatedly dodging questions about his presidential ambitions. “Blah, blah,” Swisher retorted as Pritzker tried to pivot to discussing the strength of the Democratic bench, according to ABC News. Similarly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has refused to confirm any White House aspirations, even as speculation swirls around his political future. On a recent episode of “The Breakfast Club” podcast, Shapiro reflected on the challenges facing the nation and said, “I love public service. You can't walk away now, with everything that's on the line. ... This is not a time to quit.”
Yet, as NewsLooks notes, such circumspection can itself become a political liability. Republican opponents are already using perceived national ambitions as a line of attack. Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, for example, recently quipped on a conservative radio show in Philadelphia, “We need somebody that is more interested in Pennsylvania and not on Pennsylvania Avenue.” This echoes a broader risk identified by GOP strategist Mike DuHaime, who advised the presidential campaigns of Chris Christie, John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, and George W. Bush. DuHaime told ABC News that candidates must “strike a balance and make sure they are not distracting from midterm races by funneling money or attention away from candidates who need them. I think it makes sense not to be so coy because people kind of get it, but they still should be careful about putting themselves in front of the country cause it could backfire.”
Early exposure, while potentially rewarding, is not without its pitfalls. DuHaime recalled how Chris Christie’s national profile became a liability during his 2013 gubernatorial race, with opponents painting him as distracted and self-serving. “They have to be careful that they still look a little bit like team players,” DuHaime cautioned. O’Connell, the Democratic strategist, also pointed out the practical challenges facing would-be candidates: “You have to fulfill your obligations to the states that you’re in. It's not so much that you’re playing a game, it's that I think that there are some practical considerations.”
Meanwhile, on the Republican side, the atmosphere is markedly different. According to NewsLooks, potential GOP candidates are keeping low profiles, wary of drawing attention or appearing disloyal to President Donald Trump, who is widely expected to play a decisive role in selecting his successor. The contrast is striking: while Democrats scramble to fill a leadership vacuum, Republicans are largely waiting in the wings, deferring to Trump’s influence.
Despite the risks, O’Connell urges Democratic hopefuls to seize the moment and embrace what she calls a “Beyoncé-Taylor Swift strategy,” referencing the pop stars’ positive impact on local economies during their tours. “What I would advise anyone who wants to be president in 2028 is to roll up your sleeves and help,” she said. That means delivering real results in local communities, building momentum from the ground up, and demonstrating that leadership is more than just rhetoric.
As the 2028 campaign buzz grows louder, the new rules of presidential politics are taking shape in real time. Candidates who speak up early and back their words with action may have the edge in a media landscape driven by viral moments and a public hungry for authenticity. The next three years promise not just a long primary, but a test of whether boldness and transparency can truly change the game in American politics.
With both parties navigating their own unique challenges, the early moves made today are likely to define the field for tomorrow. For now, the message from Democratic hopefuls is clear: the era of political coyness is over, and the race for 2028 has already begun in earnest.
