Democrats and Republicans Brace for Wide-Open 2028 Primaries as No Incumbent Tops the Ticket
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 8
Democrats and Republicans Brace for Wide-Open 2028 Primaries as No Incumbent Tops the Ticket
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 8
Summary
Both parties are already gearing up for hard-fought 2028 presidential primaries, with no White House incumbent running and strategists in each camp arguing a broad contest could strengthen the eventual nominee.
Democrats' midterm sweep has not settled core disputes between centrists and progressives, leaving a primary to test positions on Israel, transgender rights, immigration enforcement and Medicare-for-all-style healthcare.
Republicans face a sharper identity fight after the GOP's midterm repudiation, with Vice President JD Vance expected to run but rivals and donors increasingly discussing alternatives if he cannot separate himself from Trump-era policies and the Iran war.
Veterans from both parties say long primaries can expose weaknesses, build national organizations and reveal candidates' capacity to grow, though they also risk pushing nominees toward ideological extremes and leaving lasting party wounds.