Michigan's 2028 Presidential Race Has Already Begun

Even before the dust settled from Michigan's heated Democratic primary, some of the biggest names in the Democratic Party were already flying into the state. Politicians with their eyes on the 2028 presidential race are hoping to win over Michigan voters — and help heal the divisions left by a bitter primary fight. Michigan has become one of the first states to hold its nominating contest, making it a key stop for anyone who wants to run for president.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was one of the first to arrive. He headlined a unity rally in Detroit alongside Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. Buttigieg had stayed out of the Senate primary on purpose, so he could more easily bring Democrats back together afterward. A source close to Buttigieg said, 'It's why he's already rallying for the ticket to show strength and unity going into the general election.'

El-Sayed's primary win was not simple. He beat Rep. Haley Stevens, but the race exposed real splits in the party. Wealthier and more educated voters tended to back El-Sayed, while lower-income voters leaned toward Stevens. There was also a sharp divide over the conflict between Israel and Gaza. Healing those wounds will take time and real effort from party leaders.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear was one of the first to visit Michigan after the primary. He held a small business roundtable and met with local Democrats. He plans to return the following week to meet with union workers. California Governor Gavin Newsom also scheduled a packed trip to the state, with stops including a church service, a neighborhood canvass, a backyard barbecue, and meetings with Black community leaders in Detroit.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore was high on El-Sayed's list of people to call after the primary. Results showed El-Sayed had struggled to win over Black voters, and Moore — a popular Black governor — could help bridge that gap. The two spoke by phone, and there were plans to get Moore to campaign in Michigan in person.

Former Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lon Johnson put it simply. 'Wednesday morning the starting gun was heard and I believe was heard by many 2028 candidates,' he told reporters. State Senator Mallory McMorrow, who had dropped out of the primary earlier, said El-Sayed asked for honest feedback at a unity breakfast. She told him he got his message right — but that he needed to stop treating people with different views as enemies.

Representative Debbie Dingell said the visits from national Democrats were a good sign. 'They're coming to Michigan because they need to be talking about all these complicated issues, and they need to be part of pulling us together,' she said. She added that what Buttigieg was doing was smart. Michigan's general election is just 13 weeks away, with early voting starting in only five weeks.