As the 2028 presidential election approaches, several top Democrats are already taking steps to prepare for potential bids, according to new campaign finance filings. These filings reveal that prominent figures such as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, along with governors like Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, have raised and spent significant amounts of money on their leadership PACs. These funds are being used for fundraising activities, including acquiring donor lists and running digital ads, which are critical for establishing their national profiles and readiness for a presidential campaign.
Buttigieg, who was a prominent figure in the 2020 Democratic primary, led the fundraising efforts among the reported contenders, raising $1.6 million for his leadership PAC in the first half of the year. Other governors, such as Beshear and Whit, also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars each, indicating a strategic move to build their fundraising operations and presence in the political arena. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to lay the groundwork for future presidential campaigns, with the belief that early investment in fundraising and visibility can significantly impact their viability in the long-term race for the presidency.
The use of leadership PACs allows these candidates to raise and spend money not tied to a specific election, providing them with flexibility to support other candidates and build relationships within the Democratic Party. This approach not only aids in their personal campaigns but also strengthens the party’s overall fundraising capabilities. By investing in their leadership PACs, these potential candidates are preparing to take on the challenges of a presidential bid, focusing on the necessity of building a strong foundation for their future campaigns.