2028 Race: Dozens of Democrats Begin Fundraising Efforts
Jim Messina reports that over twenty-four campaigns are hiring staff and raising money ahead of next year's presidential election.
By Jessica Abebe ·
More than two dozen Democratic campaigns are actively preparing for the 2028 presidential election.
Jim Messina, who managed Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election bid, told the BBC’s Americast podcast that these potential candidates have started hiring staff and raising money. He noted that the party’s strong performance in this week’s midterm elections has encouraged many to enter the race.
Messina predicts that some candidates will form exploratory committees within the next few weeks, likely after Thanksgiving. He mentioned that one individual is already moving to join a governor’s campaign. He expects the number of contenders to drop as candidates struggle to raise the large amounts of money needed for primary contests.
When speaking with potential candidates, Messina asks them to define their economic vision for the country and their plans for artificial intelligence. He also points to a major challenge for the party: incumbent president Donald Trump will remain in office during the campaign season.
“And so, do the Democrats take the bait and talk about Donald Trump every day, or do you stay focused on your message?” Messina asked. He described the upcoming election as potentially the most interesting one since 2008.
Messina credited the midterm victories to the party’s focus on the economy and the effects of Trump’s tariffs. He argued that these policies were harmful to rural voters, citing a farmer in a specific region paying seven dollars for a gallon of diesel. He said this economic message helped Democrats win seats in traditionally Republican states like Iowa, Kansas, and Texas.
Despite the wins, Messina cautioned that the results were not a full endorsement of the party. He stated that Donald Trump was the main driver of the election outcome for Democrats. The next challenge, he added, is uniting the progressive and centrist wings of the party in Congress.
End on a fact: Messina said Democrats stuck to the economy and avoided social issues during the midterms.
More Politics · World news · Report a business · Got a Story?
