Democrats begin positioning for 2028 presidential race 16 months before primaries

With the 2028 Democratic presidential primaries 16 months away, potential candidates are actively positioning themselves. High-profile figures like Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and Pete Buttigieg are already in the mix. Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is also actively discerning a run, planning a decision after the midterms. Landrieu, who lacks formal campaign infrastructure, has been traveling extensively and recently criticized the Democratic Socialists of America as outside the mainstream party.

Potential Democratic contenders for 2028

• ▪The 2028 presidential primaries are 16 months away as of September 23, 2026, and several Democrats are positioning themselves for the race.
• ▪Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Representative Ro Khanna, and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are eyed as potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates.

Mitch Landrieu's potential candidacy

• ▪Mitch Landrieu plans to make a decision regarding a 2028 presidential run sometime after the 2026 midterms or around the first of the year
• ▪Mitch Landrieu has traveled to 230 cities, towns, and counties, working on a series called "Long Play" and the American Bridge project across 21 states.
• ▪Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is actively considering a run for president in 2028, stating he is "discerning" and thinking hard about the decision.
• ▪Mitch Landrieu has not set up a formal campaign structure or a super PAC, starting basically from ground zero if he decides to run for president

Mitch Landrieu and the DSA

• ▪Mitch Landrieu suggested that the Democratic Socialists of America should start their own party if they want to be socialist.
• ▪Mitch Landrieu criticized the Democratic Socialists of America, stating they are not on the Democrats' side and that half of their platform is insane.