The DNC winter meeting in Los Angeles spotlighted Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom as potential 2028 players. Harris delivered a pointed address blaming systemic political and economic failures for the rise of Trump and MAGA, while Newsom drew enthusiastic support from delegates. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker raised more than $1 million for the DNC, and several other Democrats are already engaging early primary states as the party prepares for next year's midterms.
Harris, Newsom Spark 2028 Buzz at DNC Winter Meeting — Midterms, Money and a Crowded Field
Former Vice President Kamala, seen speaking at an event in San Francisco in April, delivered a major address on Friday at the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting, which was held in Los Angeles.
The Democratic National Committee's winter meeting in Los Angeles brought renewed speculation about the 2028 presidential race as two high-profile Democrats — former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom — drew enthusiastic attention from delegates and party leaders.
Harris Delivered a Sharper, More Confrontational Address. In a Friday speech, Harris urged Democrats to focus on winning the midterms while also preparing a clear vision "for what comes after the midterms. And then after Trump." She criticized both major parties for failing to retain public trust and described the rise of Trump and MAGA as symptoms of deeper systemic problems: offshoring, financial deregulation, widening income inequality, a dysfunctional campaign-finance system and partisan gridlock. Attendees reported a warm reception and at times shouted "You" when she hinted at potential 2028 contenders.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, seen speaking at the 2025 New York Times DealBook Summit in New York City on Dec. 3, enjoyed a very warm reception as he held meetings at the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting, on Thursday in Los Angeles.
Newsom Enjoyed a High-Profile Welcome. Although he did not speak at the general session, Newsom received a "rock-star" reception while meeting delegates and party chairs. He held discussions with leaders from early-voting states including New Hampshire and Nevada, underscoring his growing national profile after a year of high-visibility clashes with former President Donald Trump and active involvement in California's political battles.
Pritzker and Fundraising Momentum. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also made a splash, reportedly raising more than $1 million for the DNC at a Thursday-night fundraiser. Party insiders said the appearances by Harris, Newsom and Pritzker provided opportunities to begin shaping an early message for a crowded 2028 Democratic field.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, seen attending a Veterans Day ceremony in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on Nov. 11, 2025, held a major fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee, on the sidlelines of its winter meeting, in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Focus on Midterms and an Emerging Bench. The meeting's primary agenda remained party organization and preparation for next year's midterms: assessing the party's strong 2025 results and offering training for campaign operations. Still, multiple potential 2028 contenders are already engaging with early primary states and appearing on the 2025 trail — from governors and senators to progressive and moderate figures — signaling an increasingly competitive and crowded nomination fight.
"Obviously, we must focus on the midterms," Harris said. "But Democrats, we must also have a clear vision for what comes after the midterms. And then after Trump."
As the calendar moves toward the informal start of the 2028 contest, the DNC gathering served both as a rehearsal for midterm strategy and an early platform for high-profile Democrats to test messages, raise funds and build name recognition ahead of what could be a bruising primary season.
