The midterms stakes are high for these 2028 presidential prospects

NEW YORK (AP) — As most of the political world focuses on next month’s midterm elections, the shadow primary for the 2028 presidential contest is quietly playing out in public view. Democratic and Republican presidential prospects have been crisscrossing the country, raising money and tapping their political connections to help boost their parties’ candidates — and their own White House ambitions. Here’s a closer look at some of the leading prospects and how their political futures may be influenced by what happens Nov.

Newsom has a Southern strategy Gavin Newsom leaves the California governor’s office at the end of the year, and he’s been among the most active Democrats throughout the midterms. He’s paid particular attention to the South, where he’s campaigned with candidates up and down the ballot in states like Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and, not surprisingly, South Carolina, which hosts the party’s first presidential primary contest in 2028. The Southern focus aligns with the mission of Newsom’s Campaign for Democracy political action committee, which was established in 2023 to help his party compete in red states.

But it could also help endear him to African American voters, who make up the heart of the Democratic base. Newsom’s star power — and his extensive email list — has strengthened his relationships with key Democratic officials in states like Nevada and New Hampshire, where he’s sent out fundraising emails that have generated a surge of donations in recent months. Perhaps Newsom’s biggest midterm contribution was backing Proposition 50, California’s response to the Texas Republican mid-decade gerrymander.

The proposition, approved by California voters last year, created a new congressional map that may allow Democrats to pick up as many as five additional U.S. House seats in California this fall. As a presidential candidate, the California governor could argue that he was on the front lines of the redistricting battle.

But if Democrats do not win all five seats in his state, Newsom’s message could be muffled. Vance’s fate is tied to Trump No potential candidate’s fate is as closely tied to President Donald Trump and Republicans’ performance as Vice President JD Vance. The 42-year-old has embarked on an aggressive midterm campaign schedule — from the Midwest, to the South, to Alaska — and focused on the administration’s efforts to r…

3.Newsom has a Southern strategyGavin Newsom leaves the California governor's office at the end of the year, and he's been among the most active Democrats throughout the midterms.He's paid particular attention to the South, where he's campaigned with candidates up and down the ballot in states like Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and, not surprisingly, South Carolina, which hosts the party's first presidential primary contest in 2028.The Southern focus aligns with the mission of Newsom's Campaign for Democracy political action committee, which was established in 2023 to help his party compete in red states. House seats in California this fall.As a presidential candidate, the California governor could argue that he was on the front lines of the redistricting battle.