Democrats Eyeing 2028 Presidential Bid See Mixed Results in Endorsement Strategies

Democrats eyeing a potential run for the presidency in 2028 are using the current election cycle as a platform to boost their profiles and influence within the party. Representatives like Ro Khanna from California, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have been actively endorsing candidates across the country.

Khanna has emerged as one of the most active endorsers, backing more than a dozen candidates in various races this year. His endorsements range from progressive insurgents to left-wing democratic socialists like Francesca Hong in Wisconsin's gubernatorial race. However, Khanna’s strategy has not always paid off; some of his endorsed candidates have lost their primaries or faced significant controversies that forced him to withdraw support.

Ocasio-Cortez, on the other hand, has been more selective with her endorsements compared to Khanna. Her approach aims to avoid high-profile missteps while still supporting progressive candidates in key races. She actively campaigned for Sam Forstag in Montana and Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's Senate primary, both of whom won their respective primaries.

Buttigieg, known for his moderate stance, has focused on endorsing candidates in battleground states crucial for the Democrats' chances to maintain control over Congress. He visited most presidential battleground states and endorsed Angie Craig in Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary, among others.

The effectiveness of these endorsement strategies is not just about winning or losing primaries but also about building a national profile and cultivating relationships with donors and party officials who could be instrumental in future campaigns. “If you're thinking about running for president, you need allies,” said Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist. “The more that you're out there, trying to get people elected and making a meaningful difference, voters are going to remember that.”

Endorsing early can help lesser-known candidates gain traction, but it also carries risks if the endorsed candidate faces controversies or loses. Khanna’s approach of endorsing early when an insurgent candidate is seen as a longshot has its merits, but it also exposes him to potential setbacks.

In conclusion, while Democrats are using this election cycle to lay groundwork for their 2028 presidential bids, the strategies employed by different candidates reveal varying degrees of success and risk-taking. The ultimate goal remains clear: positioning themselves as credible leaders within the party who can rally support across ideological lines in preparation for a future presidential race.