The 2028 U.S. presidential election is still years away, but the race inside the Democratic Party has already begun. It all started with an unexpected story about Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire and heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune. Reports revealed that Pritzker won $1.4 million during a night of blackjack at a Las Vegas casino.
The gambling win, listed in his financial-disclosure filings, quickly caught public attention. Some wondered if the governor might have a gambling problem or if such a big win made him look out of touch with everyday Americans. When reporters asked if rivals like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) could use it against him in a future campaign, Pritzker replied, “People know I’ve been very fortunate in my life.”
Although he insists he’s focused on his duties as governor, many believe Pritzker is quietly preparing for a possible presidential run. He has been visiting key states such as Wisconsin, Georgia, and New Hampshire and has gained national attention for strongly opposing Donald Trump. His fiery speeches against the former president have made him a favorite among Democrats looking for a bold, outspoken leader.
New Faces and Familiar Names Join the Buzz
After a painful loss to Trump in 2024, the Democratic Party is struggling to find a new direction. Many voters are frustrated with older politicians and want “new blood” in leadership. This has opened the door for both fresh faces and familiar names to start maneuvering for 2028.
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Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the last election, has said she will not “go quietly into the night.” She released a book called 107 Days about her short presidential campaign and has been touring the country to promote it. Some of her supporters believe she could make a comeback, while critics argue she remains too closely tied to the unpopular Biden administration.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has also become a major focus of early speculation. He is leading a statewide effort to change California’s congressional maps, known as Proposition 50, which has boosted his national profile. His campaign team includes several of Harris’s former advisers. However, Newsom’s glamorous image and past controversies — including his marriage to Donald Trump Jr.’s ex-girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle — have made him an easy target for criticism.
Meanwhile, New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been traveling with Senator Bernie Sanders on a “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. Although she hasn’t announced any plans to run, insiders say she could enter late and still dominate the progressive side of the primary. “If she decides to do it, she’ll have no problem raising money or hiring staff,” said one Democratic strategist.
Other rising figures are moving quickly to build their national presence. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a charismatic newcomer and former head of a major anti-poverty foundation, has been connecting with donors and staff in early primary states. Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego has also made visits to Iowa and New Hampshire, saying he wants to reach voters before others do.
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Donors, Deals, and Early Moves Behind the Scenes
Big Democratic donors are growing restless and eager to invest in a new face for 2028. Party insiders say fundraising has been slow for the 2026 midterm elections, but enthusiasm is growing for the next presidential race. Former campaign finance chair Rufus Gifford explained that donors “want a hero” they can believe in again.
Major names from the tech world, such as Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings and Laurene Powell Jobs, have donated to Newsom’s redistricting campaign, though many others are holding back. Some of California’s biggest political donors say it’s still too early to commit to any one candidate.
Other well-known Democrats are also preparing. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been active on television and at party events. While he’s respected as a skilled speaker and fundraiser, some believe his close ties to the Biden era could hurt him. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who has won twice in a deep-red state, is also gaining attention for his calm, unifying style. As the new head of the Democratic Governors Association, Beshear is using his position to travel, meet donors, and talk about cooperation across political divides.
The long list of potential contenders also includes Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Even Rahm Emanuel, the former mayor of Chicago, has been testing interest among Silicon Valley donors.
Democratic insiders believe that what happens now — the speeches, podcast appearances, book tours, and donor meetings — will shape the race long before 2028 officially begins. The early energy and competition show how eager Democrats are to find their next leader and how the fight for the party’s future is already well underway.
