DNC Vice Chair Shasti Conrad has emphasized the need for a multitude of Democratic leaders in the lead-up to the 2028 elections, highlighting figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Zohran Mamdani as key potential candidates. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Conrad underscored the necessity of having numerous leaders, suggesting that the Democratic Party must rely on a broad spectrum of voices to effectively challenge the Trump administration and rebuild its political base. Conrad noted the absence of a singular leader following the 2024 election, and argued that the party’s strength lies in cultivating multiple leaders capable of representing its message and agenda across the country.
Ocasio-Cortez, while not officially committing to a 2028 run, is reportedly being prepared for a potential presidential or Senate bid, according to Axios. Her team is reportedly assembling former advisors from Bernie Sanders’ circle, as part of her preparations for a possible run. She has also joined Sanders on a national tour aimed at addressing issues like Trump’s policies. Meanwhile, Conrad’s comments also touched on Kamala Harris’ new book, which she said could indicate the former vice president’s interest in a 2028 run, or potentially a run by Pete Buttigieg. These developments reflect the ongoing efforts by Democrats to solidify their base and leadership structure as they navigate a new political landscape post-Trump. The Democratic Party is now facing the challenge of maintaining momentum and unity in the wake of a significant electoral loss, which they hope to overcome by expanding their leadership and messaging strategies for future elections.