Dozens of Democrats eyeing 2028 presidential run, says former Obama aide

What the report says

A former Obama campaign strategist says the Democratic Party’s strong showing in this week’s US midterm elections has prompted a wave of early interest in the 2028 presidential race. Jim Messina told the BBC that he has spoken with more than two dozen campaigns or political teams that are seriously exploring bids for the White House, with some already beginning to raise money and hire staff.

Messina, who managed Barack Obama’s successful 2012 re-election effort and later served as his deputy chief of staff, said he expects some candidates to form exploratory committees in the coming days or weeks, although he warned that the field is likely to narrow once the costs of a presidential campaign become clear. He said the conversations he has had have focused on economic policy, artificial intelligence and how candidates plan to define their message.

In the BBC interview, Messina said Democrats’ midterm success came from emphasizing economic concerns and avoiding distraction over cultural disputes. He argued that Donald Trump, who will still be president during the next campaign cycle, will remain a major factor in shaping the race. He also said the party’s challenge now is to bridge its progressive and centrist wings in Congress. The comments provide an early look at how Democrats may begin positioning themselves for a contest that is still years away.