The Democrat Party has completely fallen apart. They’re on the brink of extinction, unless something big happens.
And now top Democrats are stuck in a wild west gunfight stare-off ahead of the pivotal 2026 and 2028 elections.
Democrats Launching Hot Race to Reshape a Shattered Party for 2028
The Democratic Party lies in tatters after its devastating 2024 election losses, with approval ratings scraping historic lows and internal cohesion fraying. As the party grapples with its identity crisis, a cadre of ambitious Democrats is seizing the moment, aggressively building national profiles and positioning themselves as the potential face of the party for the 2028 presidential race. The collapse of the old guard has left a power vacuum, and the scramble to fill it is already reshaping the political landscape.
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, a freshly minted Senate star, is among the most prominent figures stepping into the fray. Elected in November 2024 with a narrow 50.1% victory over Republican Kari Lake, Gallego has wasted no time elevating his visibility. On May 10, he’s slated to headline a town hall in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he’ll address “the struggles of working-class Americans.” This move, reported by Politico, signals his intent to connect with heartland voters—a demographic Democrats desperately need to reclaim.
Gallego’s rise is no accident. Having served a Phoenix-area House seat from 2015 to 2025, he’s cultivated a reputation as a gritty, relatable figure with crossover appeal. Democratic insiders are buzzing about his potential as a 2028 contender, viewing him as a bridge between the party’s progressive wing and its moderate base. His focus on working-class issues suggests a calculated effort to counter the Republican Party’s growing dominance among blue-collar voters.
Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is making his own play for national prominence. On May 30, Moore will deliver a keynote speech at South Carolina’s Blue Palmetto Dinner, a high-profile Democratic fundraising event. Despite his insistence that he’s not eyeing the presidency—“I am clear — I’m not running,” he told Politico on May 2—his actions tell a different story. Moore’s emphasis on transforming Maryland into an economic powerhouse hints at an overall ambition to craft a compelling narrative for 2028.
Moore’s polished charisma and military background make him a formidable figure in a party desperate for fresh faces. His South Carolina appearance, in an early primary state, is a clear nod to national aspirations, even if he publicly downplays them. By focusing on economic growth and opportunity, Moore is positioning himself as a pragmatic leader who can steer the party away from its recent electoral failures.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is another heavyweight entering the 2028 sweepstakes. On May 13, he’ll host a town hall with VoteVets Action Fund in Iowa, his first major public event since Donald Trump’s January inauguration. Buttigieg’s decision to forego a 2026 Michigan Senate run, announced in March, has fueled speculation that he’s gearing up for a presidential bid. His Iowa appearance, in another critical primary state, only intensifies the chatter.
Buttigieg’s appeal lies in his ability to articulate a vision that resonates with younger voters and moderates alike. His experience as a cabinet secretary and his 2020 presidential campaign give him a head start in name recognition. By engaging with veterans’ issues in Iowa, he’s tapping into a constituency that could bolster his credentials as a unifying figure in a fractured party.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a billionaire with deep Democratic ties, is also raising his national profile. On April 27, he delivered a fiery speech in New Hampshire, lambasting “do-nothing Democrats” and urging “mass protests” against Republicans. The choice of New Hampshire, an early primary state, is no coincidence. Pritzker’s rhetoric suggests he’s ready to galvanize the party’s base while distancing himself from its ineffective establishment.
Pritzker’s wealth and philanthropy give him unique leverage. Having poured millions into Democratic causes, he has the resources to build a formidable campaign infrastructure. While he could seek a third term as governor in 2026, his recent moves indicate a grander ambition. His call for bold action resonates with activists eager for a reinvigorated party, but his elite status may complicate his appeal to working-class voters.
🔥🚨BREAKING: Democrats are reportedly preparing to launch a Bernie Sanders and AOC presidential ticket for 2028. They are currently the best candidates the DNC has. pic.twitter.com/QZW6TFR2z4
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) April 13, 2025
Kamala Harris Comeback? Democrats Too Far Gone For 2028?
Former Vice President Kamala Harris remains a wildcard in the 2028 conversation. On April 30, she delivered her first major speech since her 2024 presidential defeat, signaling she’s not ready to fade into obscurity. Harris is reportedly weighing a 2026 run for California governor, but her name continues to surface as a potential White House contender. Her speech, though light on specifics, aimed to reassert her relevance in a party searching for direction.
Skepticism abounds among Senate Democrats about Harris’s viability. One anonymous senator bluntly told The Hill, “no,” when asked if she should run again. Harris’s 2024 loss exposed vulnerabilities in her campaign style and messaging, and her path to 2028 is fraught with challenges. Yet her national profile and loyal base ensure she remains a force to be reckoned with, even as she navigates her next steps.
The Democratic Party’s struggles are stark. The 2024 election cycle left it battered, with Republicans now claiming the mantle of the working-class party. NBC News analyst John Heilemann, speaking on his podcast in November 2024, called this shift the Democrats’ “big f*cking problem” for 2028. The party’s inability to connect with everyday Americans has opened the door for ambitious figures like Gallego, Moore, Buttigieg, Pritzker, and Harris to redefine its future.
Each contender brings a distinct strategy to the table. Gallego’s working-class roots and Senate platform position him as a populist reformer. Moore’s focus on economic dynamism appeals to voters craving stability. Buttigieg’s intellectual clarity and veteran outreach target a coalition of moderates and progressives. Pritzker’s wealth and activism offer a bold, confrontational approach. Harris, despite her setbacks, retains a reservoir of institutional support.
The road to 2028 is treacherous for Democrats. The party must rebuild trust with voters while fending off a resurgent Republican machine. The 2026 midterms loom as a critical test, with Democrats aiming to claw back congressional seats. The emerging leaders know that success in 2028 hinges on their ability to inspire a demoralized base and reclaim the narrative from their rivals.
The Conservative Column will keep you informed on any major upcoming 2026 and 2028 election news.
