Messina: Over Two Dozen Democrats Preparing 2028 Presidential Bids
The former Obama campaign manager says he is in talks with active campaigns that have begun hiring staff and raising funds following the party's midterm gains.
By Nour Haddad ·
More than two dozen Democratic campaigns are actively evaluating runs for the White House in 2028, according to Jim Messina. The former chief strategist for Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election bid said he has spoken with numerous groups that have moved beyond early brainstorming. These organizations have started the financing process and are hiring staff.
Messina made the remarks on the BBC’s Americast podcast following the Democratic Party’s strong performance in the 2026 midterm elections. He expects candidates to announce exploratory committees in the weeks following Thanksgiving. He noted that he is already aware of one individual who is relocating to work full-time on a governor’s presidential campaign.
The former White House deputy chief of staff attributed the midterm victory to the party’s disciplined focus on economic issues. He said Democrats successfully highlighted the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on rural voters. This strategy helped the party flip seats in traditionally Republican states, including Iowa, Kansas, and Texas.
Messina pointed to specific costs facing agricultural workers to illustrate the party’s messaging. He described a farmer paying seven dollars per gallon for diesel fuel while prices for other goods also rose. He argued that this economic pressure made the financial arguments clear to voters in those regions.
He warned that the number of potential candidates will likely decrease as primary fundraising demands increase. Messina said he asks prospective candidates to articulate their economic vision and their plans for artificial intelligence during their meetings. He emphasized that the upcoming election will feature the outgoing president, Donald Trump, remaining in office throughout the campaign season.
Messina posed a strategic question for Democrats: whether to attack Trump daily or maintain focus on their own message. He called the 2028 race the most interesting presidential election since 2008. He cautioned that the midterm success was not a broad endorsement of the party. Instead, he identified Trump as the main driver of the Democratic turnout.
The next challenge for the party involves unifying its progressive and centrist wings in Congress. Messina stated that the midterm result was a specific victory for the economic message rather than a general approval of the party’s entire platform. The party must now manage the legislative work that follows the election.
