It looks like the Democrats have new leadership.
Early discussions about the 2028 presidential election are already exposing growing uncertainty inside the Democratic Party, while Republicans appear far more united behind President Donald Trump’s legacy and the leaders expected to follow him.
At recent conservative gatherings such as AmericaFest, many attendees expressed confidence that Vice President JD Vance is the clear favorite to lead the Republican ticket once President Trump leaves office. On the Democratic side, however, longtime party figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris are drawing noticeably less enthusiasm.
Instead, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is increasingly viewed by voters as the Democrats’ most viable option—an indication that party insiders may be quietly moving away from their West Coast power brokers.
2028 Election May Once Again Run Through the Rust Belt
If current expectations hold, the next presidential race could be decided in the Rust Belt states that helped propel President Trump to victory in 2024. A potential matchup between JD Vance, 41, and Josh Shapiro, 52, would feature two younger candidates competing for voters focused on economic stability, public safety, and national direction.
Democrats believe Shapiro’s home-state recognition in Pennsylvania could help them reclaim ground lost to Republicans. Conservatives, however, remain skeptical that Democratic leadership can reconnect with working-class voters after years of progressive policy failures.
Shapiro himself has tried to tamp down speculation. During a recent television appearance, he dismissed Washington political chatter and emphasized his focus on balancing budgets and governing at the state level—comments that appealed to some voters tired of Beltway politics.
Still, many observers believe Shapiro presents a stronger general-election profile than Newsom, whose record in California continues to face criticism over crime, taxes, and population loss.
Conservative Voters See a Clear GOP Path Forward
Barbara, a California attendee at AmericaFest, said she believes Republicans are “in a strong position right now” and described JD Vance as a natural extension of the Trump movement.
“He comes from the team President Trump built,” she said. “That gives him credibility.”
When asked about Democrats, Barbara pointed to Shapiro as the only figure she sees with real political traction.
“I don’t think the others have much credibility,” she added, saying Shapiro would easily outperform Newsom in a direct contest.
Other voters echoed that view, noting that Shapiro has occasionally distanced himself from far-left rhetoric, particularly on cultural and public-safety issues—though he remains firmly aligned with Democratic leadership.
Nick, a voter from Nashville, said while the Democratic base may push candidates like Newsom or progressive lawmakers, party leadership would be wiser to back Shapiro if winning the White House is the goal.
Nick also predicted President Trump will continue to shape the Republican Party’s future.
“Trump built the modern conservative movement,” he said. “Whoever runs in 2028, Trump will have a major influence.”
GOP Bench Seen as Deep and Ready
Karen from Wisconsin said she hopes Republicans nominate JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio, arguing that the party has a strong lineup ready to continue Trump-era policies.
“We have so many solid conservatives,” she said. “I’d love to see another eight or even sixteen years of Republicans keeping America on the right track.”
Karen believes Democrats may still attempt to rally behind Newsom but doubts Kamala Harris will secure enough financial or political backing for a serious run.
“Newsom already struggled on the national stage,” she said. “JD Vance is articulate, disciplined, and intelligent. That contrast would be hard for Democrats to overcome.”
Amy from Michigan agreed, predicting a 2028 showdown between Vance and Shapiro. Meanwhile, voters from California expressed concern that Democratic insiders may push Newsom forward despite growing skepticism among the public.
Another attendee, Ed from San Diego, said Republicans are likely to coalesce around either Vance or Rubio once President Trump exits the ballot.
Notably, representatives for Shapiro’s future campaign efforts declined to comment on presidential speculation—suggesting Democratic leadership is still searching for direction as the 2028 race quietly begins to take shape.
