With no clear frontrunner and what party operatives describe as a leadership vacuum, more than two dozen high-profile Democrats could eventually enter the race for the 2028 presidential nomination.

Democratic hopefuls have begun staking early claims for the 2028 election, with several prospective candidates already making trips to South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Iowa. The jockeying comes as Democrats attempt to rebuild after their 2024 losses. Among those making early moves are California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and California Representative Ro Khanna.

During his recent South Carolina tour, marking his second visit since April, Newsom repeatedly found himself labeled a presidential candidate by voters despite insisting his focus remains on the 2026 midterms.