Democrats Josh Shapiro, Wes Moore face challenges on road to White House

As Democrats begin to size up the 2028 presidential field, some of the party’s most closely watched figures face a more immediate test: reelection in 2026. 

Governors, including Josh Shapiro (D) of Pennsylvania and Wes Moore (D) of Maryland, must first secure another term before fully turning their full attention to a White House run. 

The dynamic presents a delicate dance for the candidates, with voters quick to question whether politicians are focused on the job in front of them or eyeing something larger. 

“A strong showing at home in 2026 is the prerequisite for relevance in 2028,” Democratic strategist Anthony Coley said. “Moore and Shapiro can have all the national ambitions they want, but if home state voters feel like an afterthought, they’ll show you who’s actually in charge.” 

For Shapiro and Moore, in particular, the dynamic creates a built-in constraint — and limits the kind of overt positioning for a national run seen among some of their rivals.

Their reelection bids require a focus on local issues and their constituents back home, effectively tying them to their states as other contenders — including former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, both of whom are out of public office, build their national profiles and more openly test the waters. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who leaves office in January after being term-limited, has also spent time expanding his national profile in recent months, including on a........

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