NewsWPLG Local 10November 5, 2026Miami-Dade County
Potential 2028 presidential contenders begin political maneuvering following midterm election results
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Presidential prospects in both the Democratic and Republican parties have begun positioning themselves for the 2028 election following midterm results that included Democratic gains and heavy losses for Republicans. Democrats are celebrating party victories and evaluating potential White House contenders, while Republicans grapple with the political fallout and divisions over party leadership.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The outcome of the midterm elections has shifted political momentum and opened up a wide-open 2028 presidential contest, prompting potential candidates across both parties to begin early campaign preparations and staff discussions.
Key Facts
- The 2028 presidential election season has begun immediately following the midterm elections.
- Vice President JD Vance posted on X that Republican midterm losses were due to the war with Iran.
- An AP Voter Poll showed about half of Ohio Senate voters held an unfavorable opinion of JD Vance, with about 4 in 10 overall holding a positive opinion.
- Potential 2028 Democratic contenders like Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear have held preliminary conversations with potential campaign staff.
- Governors Wes Moore of Maryland and JB Pritzker of Illinois won decisive reelection victories.
- California outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom led Proposition 50 in response to the Texas Republican mid-decade gerrymander.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro won a commanding victory in a swing state, helping his party win control of the state legislature and flip four congressional seats.
- Bernie Sanders has ruled out another presidential bid at age 85.
- Outgoing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis described Republican midterm losses as close to an extinction-level event in many parts of the country.
- New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker begins the 2028 cycle with more than $20 million in his federal campaign account.
Who's Mentioned
PersonJB Pritzker“Illinois Governor who secured a decisive reelection victory.”PersonJD Vance“Vice President and leading GOP presidential prospect whose political vulnerabili”PersonWes Moore“Maryland Governor who secured a decisive reelection victory.”PersonTed Cruz“Texas Senator who has been openly weighing another White House run.”PersonCory Booker“New Jersey Senator entering the 2028 cycle with over $20 million in his federal ”PersonJon Ossoff“Georgia Senator entering the new Senate majority.”PersonAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez“Representative mentioned as a prominent figure in progressive discussions.”PersonRon DeSantis“Outgoing Republican Governor of Florida commenting on GOP midterm losses.”PersonChris Christie“Former New Jersey Governor mulling a repeat presidential bid.”PersonGavin Newsom“Outgoing California Governor who aided Democratic candidates and led Proposition”PersonBernie Sanders“Vermont Senator who has ruled out another presidential bid.”PersonMark Kelly“Arizona Senator and potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender holding pre”PersonAbdul El-Sayed“Michigan Senator-elect whose Midwestern victory was highlighted by progressives.”PersonJosh Shapiro“Pennsylvania Governor who won a commanding victory in a swing state and helped f”PersonAndy Beshear“Kentucky Governor and potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender holding p”PersonAdam Green“Co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee.”PersonDonald Trump“Former president whose influence and recent midterm political fallout are discus”PersonGayle King“CBS anchor who interviewed Josh Shapiro about his presidential ambitions.”