Politics
Dem Governor Fuels 2028 Speculation With New Hampshire Trip
A Democrat governor with the unique distinction of being one of the few Democrat governors in traditionally red states is the subject of speculation over a potential presidential bid in 2028 following a recent trip to New Hampshire.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who is set to be term-limited in 2027, traveled to the Granite State in order to support local and state-level Democratic candidates and organizations ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Beshear currently serves as vice chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and is set to lead the committee throughout the pivotal elections cycle.
“We’re going to win in some places that nobody’s expecting,” the governor claimed while meeting with voters and party staffers at a Manchester brewery.
While Beshear insisted that his visit was purely about boosting New Hampshire Democrats ahead of a busy elections cycle — which will include races for governor, U.S. Senate and closely-watched House races — the governor’s visit has fueled speculation over his presidential ambitions in 2028.
While speaking with local outlet WMUR, Beshear left the door open to a presidential run. “Well, right now, again, I’m trying to be that reasonable voice in the chaos. And then next year, my goal is to win governor’s races all across the United States,” the governor told network political director Adam Sexton.
“And then after that, I’ll sit down with my family and we’ll consider. And what we’ll consider is who is the best candidate to heal this country,” he added. Beshear went on to say that America can not remain as polarized and divided as it is today before attacking President Donald Trump.
In an interview with @WMUR9, Gov. @AndyBeshearKY on 2028: "I'll sit down with my family and what we'll consider is who is the best candidate to heal this country. This us versus them can't continue — your neighbor is not your enemy." #FITN #NHPolitics #WMUR pic.twitter.com/BcZ3Wfh5Vu
— Adam Sexton (@AdamSextonWMUR) October 7, 2025
Beshear was seriously considered as a potential vice presidential running mate for Kamala Harris on the 2024 Democratic Party ticket. Following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race on July 21, 2024, Beshear emerged as one of the top contenders on Harris’ shortlist, alongside figures like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
Multiple outlets reported at the time that Beshear was thoroughly vetted by the Harris Campaign, indicating that he was indeed on the shortlist. Democratic Party insiders and strategists highlighted his appeal as a “moderate Democrat” who had won three statewide elections in a deep red state in pushing for his selection.
As for 2028, Beshear has repeatedly signaled interest in seeking the party’s presidential nomination. Back in May, Beshear told Louisville’s WDRB News he “would consider” a 2028 run, marking a shift from his earlier reluctance to comment on the possibility.
The governor has also headlined donor retreats with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and has traveled to a number of early primary states, including Iowa and South Carolina, the latter of which will host the first Democratic Party presidential primary next cycle.
Early primary polls have generally placed him around 2-3 percent in a hypothetical Democratic Party primary, trailing behind party mainstays like Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom, among others.
