From The Straits Times · Bhagyashree Garekar · · 1m 50s
2028 US Election: Democrats Gain Stars, Republicans Face Succession
Democrats emerge with new stars after 2026 midterms; Republicans grapple with Trump succession.
In brief
Democrats emerge with new stars after 2026 midterms; Republicans grapple with Trump succession. Democrats gain momentum with Jon Ossoff, AOC and others; Republicans struggle to choose between Trump's legacy and independents. Originally reported by The Straits Times.
2026 Midterm Shifts
Democrats gained momentum after winning Georgia, South Carolina and Texas in 2026 midterms.
“But I went to bed in a red state and woke up in a blue one”
Trump's Party Struggle
Republicans face succession squabbles over how much Trump baggage to carry into 2028.
“The reason we lost is the war”
Voter Sentiment Shift
Independents want change on petrol costs and war, showing their votes may shape 2028.
“They forgot about us”
Trump's Coalition Eroding
Trump's political coalition is scrambling as independents vote against his policies and style.
“Now I know what that vote is worth”
Vice-President Vance
J.D. Vance, 42, seeks to establish that Iran war failure was not entirely his own.
“The reason we lost is the war”
Marco Rubio's Stance
Marco Rubio, 55, has not challenged Vance but remains popular with traditional Republicans.
“I have never heard anyone ask "rubio who" the way i had seen people shrug when trump roped in vance”
Ron DeSantis' Claim
Ron DeSantis, 48, took credit for Republican victories in Florida after midterms.
“a near extinction-level event”
Democratic Stars
Jon Ossoff, 39, leads Democratic contenders with an 18-point win in Trump's 2024 battleground.
“An 18-point win in a presidential battleground trump carried in 2024”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 37, has national recognition and a strong fundraising operation.
“tens of millions of social media followers”
Abdul El-Sayed
Abdul El-Sayed, the first Muslim elected senator, is poised for a presidential run.
“the first muslim to be elected senator”
James Talarico
James Talarico, 37, won a red fort in Texas, creating a national opportunity for 2028.
“winning a red fort once considered impregnable by democrats”
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris, 62, retains nationwide recognition from her 2024 presidential run.
“retains nationwide recognition and the relationships with donors and voting blocs from her 2024 run”
Josh Shapiro
Josh Shapiro, 53, released memoirs and registered a political committee for 2028.
“released his memoirs in january and registered a federal political committee”
2028 Election Outlook
Republicans must decide who inherits Trump's voters; Democrats must unite their fractured party.
“the field could widen if vance stays vulnerable”
Voter Impact
Millions of voters like Bautista and Stevens feel empowered after midterms.
“But i went to bed in a red state and woke up in a blue one”
Here's the gist
Democrats gain momentum with Jon Ossoff, AOC and others; Republicans struggle to choose between Trump's legacy and independents.
