Several prominent Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, are widely expected to consider running for president in 2028.

However, one rising Democratic figure has made it clear that he does not intend to enter the race. According to CNN, Maryland Governor Wes Moore says he has no plans to seek the presidency in 2028, even though many within the Democratic Party frequently mention him as a possible future candidate.

Despite his statement, speculation about Moore’s political future continues, especially as he remains active beyond Maryland and participates in events that raise his national profile. For instance, he is scheduled to travel to South Carolina—an important early presidential primary state—to speak at the Blue Palmetto Dinner.

When asked directly about the possibility of a 2028 presidential run, Moore gave a clear answer.

“I’m not running,” he told The Associated Press during an interview. He also dismissed the idea that he is positioning himself for a vice presidential bid, saying he is not trying to place himself in that conversation either.

Moore also minimized the significance of his trips to politically important states, including his recent visit to South Carolina.

“People should expect to see me traveling across the country to bring business and investment back to Maryland,” Moore explained after attending a dedication ceremony in Annapolis honoring former Representative Parren Mitchell. “That’s exactly what I plan to keep doing for as long as I’m serving as governor.”

Now in the third year of his first term, Moore is expected to run for reelection next year in Maryland, a state that strongly leans Democratic. He emphasized that governing during challenging times requires his full focus and attention.

Meanwhile, another Democratic figure is already generating speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid: Pete Buttigieg.

The former transportation secretary has been increasingly active in digital media spaces, embracing platforms that many Democrats have traditionally been slower to adopt, as conversations about a possible presidential campaign continue to grow.

This week, Buttigieg returned to Washington, D.C., where he attended an event with Democratic content creators and participated in several media appearances. The attention comes shortly after he revealed that he would not run for Michigan’s open Senate seat or the state’s gubernatorial position.

During an interview with the Washington Examiner, Buttigieg discussed the importance of new media, strategies for connecting with voters who feel disconnected from the major political parties, and his perspective on the current political environment. He also spoke about his efforts to support the Democratic Party following his time in the Biden administration.

“I’m trying to use my voice as effectively as I can in both traditional media and newer digital platforms,” Buttigieg said. “I’ll continue having conversations with neighbors and voters about how we can move toward a better direction. I don’t know what that means for my own political or professional future yet—it’s far too early to make those decisions—but I do know that this is what I should be focused on right now.”

Last year, New York Times columnist Ezra Klein described Buttigieg as the “Democratic Party’s acknowledged best-of-class communicator,” a comment made only weeks before Democrats experienced a major setback in the November elections.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump frequently appeared on podcasts and digital platforms popular with younger audiences, including Joe Rogan’s widely followed podcast.

Political observers say that early positioning ahead of the next presidential race is already underway.

“It’s definitely the beginning of a shadow primary,” said Sammy Kanter, influencer and CEO of Girl and the Gov, speaking to the Washington Examiner. “Pete’s approach so far is very strategic.”

Kanter noted that Buttigieg’s appearances on podcasts and digital platforms allow him to connect with Americans across political divides.

“He’s going on podcasts and meeting people where they are, engaging audiences from both sides of the aisle,” Kanter explained. “He’s also interacting with online creators and taking the digital world seriously—which is exactly what modern campaigns require. And he’s particularly effective there because he has a way of explaining complicated political issues in a way that feels accessible.”

Earlier this year, Buttigieg made another move that fueled speculation about his future ambitions. In April, he announced that he would not pursue Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, a decision that many analysts believe cleared the path for a possible presidential run in 2028.