More than two dozen Democrats consider 2028 runs, former Obama aide says

Messina expects first exploratory committees within weeks, probably after Thanksgiving

More than two dozen Democratic campaigns are actively considering runs for the White House in 2028 and have begun the financing process and hiring staff, according to Jim Messina, who managed Barack Obama’s successful 2012 re-election campaign. Messina told the BBC’s Americast podcast that he has spoken to “over two dozen campaigns” since Democrats saw major victories in congressional races as well as state elections in this week’s midterms. He described the prospective contenders as “serious people.”

“I think you’re going to start having Democrats announce exploratory committees next week or the next couple of weeks, probably after Thanksgiving,” Messina said. He said he already knows someone relocating to work on a governor’s presidential campaign.

Messina predicted the early field could shrink as candidates face pressure to raise the large sums needed for the primary contests that will decide the party’s nominee.

In his conversations with prospective candidates, Messina said, he presses for specifics. “When I sit down with candidates or their campaigns, I say to them, ‘Tell me your economic vision for the future of this country. What are you going to do on AI?’”

Another factor he flagged is Donald Trump, the outgoing president, who will still be 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 said. He called it “the most interesting presidential [election] since 2008.”

Messina attributed the party’s midterm success to its ability to stay focused on the economy — and to the effects of Trump’s tariffs, which he called “devastating to rural voters.”

“When you’re a farmer and you’re paying $7 for a gallon of diesel to put in your tractor, the economics just don’t work, and at the same time you’re paying more for everything,” he said.

Staying on message about the economy helped Democrats flip seats in traditionally strong Republican states such as Iowa, Kansas, and Texas, he said. “The common criticism of Democrats is that we can’t stick to one message. And for the first time in a very long time, Democrats stuck to the economy. They didn’t take the bait on the social wars,” Messina said.

He cautioned, however, that success in this year’s midterm elections was not a ringing endorsement of the party. “The MVP of the election for the Democrats was Donald Trump,” Messina said.

The harder part ahead, he said, will be bringing the party’s progressive and centrist wings together in Congress.

Messina led Obama’s 2012 campaign and went on to serve as his deputy chief of staff at the White House.