2028 Presidential Race Takes Shape as Newsom and Harris Battle for Democratic Lead
October 30, 2025 — With three years until the next presidential election, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris are emerging as frontrunners in what promises to be a closely contested Democratic primary race.
Newsom Gains Momentum Amid 2028 Speculation
Governor Newsom has surged in recent Democratic primary polling, according to reports circulating on social media and cited by Newsweek. The governor is simultaneously raising eyebrows with public statements expressing concerns about the integrity of the 2028 election itself.
Political observers note that Newsom appears to be positioning California’s current election cycle as a launching pad for national ambitions. The New York Times reported that the governor is using state-level races to build a potential 2028 presidential platform, while viral clips of Newsom criticizing former President Donald Trump continue to circulate online.
Harris Faces Mixed Signals in Early Polling
Vice President Kamala Harris maintains a narrow lead in aggregate Democratic primary polling at approximately 23.2%, compared to Newsom’s 22.2%. However, her position appears vulnerable.
A Rasmussen poll gaining attention on political forums found that 45% of voters expressed “remorse,” saying it would have been better if Harris had won the previous election. Meanwhile, Harris drew criticism for what NBC News characterized as a “tepid endorsement” of progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani, signaling potential challenges in consolidating support across the Democratic coalition.
Buttigieg Emerges as Dark Horse Candidate
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is raising his national profile through active campaigning for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, alongside former President Barack Obama and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Battle Draws National Attention
A Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention election is attracting millions in campaign spending from both parties, with implications extending far beyond the state’s borders. The race could determine the court’s ideological balance on critical issues including election litigation and redistricting that will shape the 2028 presidential contest.
Democrats are pouring resources into retaining the court’s current majority, while Republicans are campaigning for voters to reject retention. Governor Shapiro has publicly advocated for retention, adding his considerable political capital to the effort.
State Elections Take Center Stage
Pennsylvania voters are preparing for November 4 elections featuring races for the state Supreme Court, Commonwealth Court, and Philadelphia District Attorney, among other positions. Voter resources, including comprehensive guides from WHYY, are being widely shared on social media platforms.
The heightened focus on state-level judicial and executive races reflects a broader Democratic strategy to secure favorable political infrastructure ahead of the 2028 presidential race, particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Key Takeaways
- The 2028 Democratic primary race is essentially tied between Newsom (22.2%) and Harris (23.2%)
- Both California politicians are actively positioning themselves for a presidential run
- State-level elections in Pennsylvania and Virginia are drawing national attention and resources
- Judicial races are seen as critical to shaping election law and redistricting for 2028
- Pete Buttigieg is building national visibility through campaign appearances in key states
This report is based on aggregated social media discussions, polling data, and news reports from NBC News, the New York Times, Newsweek, and local Pennsylvania media outlets.