From TIME · Philip Elliott · · 2m
Two Democrats emerge as midterm MVPs
Pete Buttigieg and Rafael Warnock are the most in-demand surrogates this cycle, and their campaign schedules suggest both are already running for president.
In brief
Pete Buttigieg and Rafael Warnock are the most in-demand surrogates this cycle, and their campaign schedules suggest both are already running for president. Pete Buttigieg and Rafael Warnock have become the Democrats' most effective campaign surrogates ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, with their travel schedules…
Two surrogates dominate the trail
Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Rafael Warnock of Georgia are not on the ballot this year but have become the most in-demand Democratic boosters ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections.
Why they stand out from other surrogates
While Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeal to the base and Barack Obama and Bill Clinton draw legacy Democrats, Warnock and Buttigieg offer an efficient and plain-spoken manner that cuts across ideologies and generations.
Warnock's strategic travel
Last month, Warnock made stops in South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Mississippi. All are states crucial to 2028 presidential ambitions or Democratic Senate hopes.
Buttigieg's nationwide campaign blitz
Buttigieg has campaigned in thirty-eight states this year, eighteen of them more than once. He has campaigned for more than seventy candidates in person, including twenty-four House hopefuls in Republican districts.
Buttigieg's appeal and positioning
The Harvard-educated former Mayor of South Bend and Transportation Secretary has proven an able sparring partner with Fox News personalities.In August, Buttigieg said he is more inclined than not to launch another White House run.
“more inclined than not”
Buttigieg's message on strength
During a swing through New Hampshire for Rep. Chris Pappas, Buttigieg said voters want strength that comes with discipline, not chaos. People have had enough of chaos and want people to get things done.
“Right now, voters are looking for the strength that comes with discipline and not chaos.”
Warnock's pragmatist approach
Warnock represents a swing state once viewed as deep-red and has worked with Republicans like Ted Cruz on infrastructure.He maintains his role as senior pastor at the Atlanta church once led by Rev.Dr.
Warnock's message on engagement
During a visit to Mississippi last month, Warnock said we lose elections by the margins of our disengagement. Mississippi is a blue state, it just does not know it yet.
“We lose elections by the margins of our disengagement.”
Warnock's 2028 plans remain open
When asked in September if he planned to launch a presidential bid, Warnock responded we will see what happens. His connection with Black voters has made him particularly valuable to swing-state candidates.
“We'll see what happens.”
The bottom line
Pete Buttigieg and Rafael Warnock have become the Democrats' most effective campaign surrogates ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, with their travel schedules suggesting both are positioning for a 2028 presidential run.
