Overview

• Andy Beshear, Gavin Newsom, and Ro Khanna have undertaken extensive trips across South Carolina this month to engage Black voters, union members and local Democrats.
• Rep. Jim Clyburn has held private meetings with multiple potential candidates but has not indicated any endorsement preference as the field takes shape.
• New Hampshire and Iowa Democratic leaders are publicly inviting prospects to visit despite uncertainty about their official spots in the 2028 nominating calendar.
• Governors Josh Shapiro and Gretchen Whitmer are focusing on their 2026 reelection and day-to-day responsibilities rather than early primary campaigning.
• With no clear front-runner and more than 30 potential contenders, early-state engagement is emerging as a key test of viability for the 2028 Democratic nomination.