Early Campaign Trails in Key States
As the 2028 presidential election looms on the horizon, several prominent Democrats are already making strategic moves to position themselves as potential candidates. California Governor Gavin Newsom has embarked on a two-day tour of South Carolina, a pivotal state in the Democratic primary process, to engage with rural voters and local leaders. His visit, which took place on July 8 and 9, focused on urging Democrats to challenge Republican dominance in the 2026 midterms and stand up to President Donald Trump’s policies.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have been active in Iowa, another critical early primary state. Both held town halls in the state, aiming to connect with voters in areas often overlooked by Democratic campaigns. Walz emphasized the need for Democrats to 'flood the zone' and show up in Republican strongholds, highlighting accessibility issues for constituents in Des Moines who struggle to meet with their representatives.
Strategic Positioning for 2028 Nomination
The actions of Newsom, Walz, and Buttigieg signal a clear intent to build early momentum for the 2028 Democratic nomination, despite the election being years away. Newsom’s South Carolina tour included a multi-county 'on the road' series where he listened to local concerns and met with community leaders, a move seen by many as an attempt to establish a foothold in the South. His public clashes with President Trump over immigration enforcement have further elevated his national profile among Democratic voters.
Buttigieg and Walz, on the other hand, are focusing on grassroots engagement in Iowa, a state known for its caucuses that kick off the presidential primary season. Their town halls aim to build name recognition and test messaging with diverse voter bases. While none of these figures have officially declared their candidacy, their presence in early voting states like South Carolina, Iowa, and New Hampshire—where other Democrats like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have also made appearances—suggests a competitive field is already taking shape.
Speculation and Sentiment Among Voters
Public sentiment, as reflected in posts found on X, shows a mix of anticipation and skepticism regarding these early moves by potential 2028 candidates. Some users praise the proactive outreach by figures like Newsom and Walz, while others question their effectiveness based on past records in their home states. The lack of a clear front-runner in the Democratic Party has fueled speculation about a wide-open primary race, with names like Vice President Kamala Harris and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also appearing in early polling data shared on social media platforms.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, these early maneuvers by Newsom, Walz, Buttigieg, and others indicate that the battle for the Democratic nomination in 2028 is already underway. With key states like South Carolina and Iowa serving as testing grounds, the coming years will likely see intensified efforts to win over voters and party influencers ahead of the primaries.