Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has signaled openness to run for the Democratic nomination for president in 2028.

On Kentucky’s WDRB “Mornings at the Backside” segment at Churchill Downs, Beshear spoke about tossing his hat in the ring.

“If you’d asked me a couple years ago if this is something I’d consider, I probably wouldn’t have,” he said. “But I don’t want to leave a broken country to my kids. So, if I’m somebody who can bring this nation together, hopefully find some common ground, it’s something I would consider.”

Why It Matters

Following across the board losses in the 2024 election, the Democratic Party has been embroiled in infighting and has yet to have a clear leader emerge. Prominent Democrats are beginning to position themselves for the 2028 race, seeking to redefine the party’s direction.

Beshear’s popularity as a Democratic governor in the predominantly Republican state of Kentucky underscores his bipartisan appeal. His ability to win reelection in Kentucky, a state that has consistently voted for Donald Trump, highlights his potential to attract a broad voter base.

He’s expected to serve as the chair of the National Democratic Caucus in 2026, a role that would expand his national profile ahead of a potential 2028 run.

What Do the Polls Show?

Morning Consult, which tracks approval ratings for all 50 governors, in early April showed that Beshear maintained a 68 percent approval rating in the first three months of 2025. That numbers makes him the highest approved Democratic governor, and the second-highest approved overall, trailing just behind Vermont Republican Phil Scott, who had a 75 percent approval rating of registered voters surveyed.

National polling for the 2028 Democratic primary does not place him in the top tier just yet.

Political forecasting site Race to the WH tracks the latest presidential primary polls for the 2028 election. Their national polling average puts him at 2.3 percent.

Kamala Harris leads the projections with 27.1 percent, trailed by Pete Buttigieg at 16.1 percent. Beshear falls just above Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar, both at 2.0 percent.

What Happens Next

Beshear is not the only Democrat who has suggested a possible 2028 presidential bid.

Former Rhode Island governor and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo this week said to David Axelrod that she would consider running.

Other possible contenders, including Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have yet to state whether or not they will pursue White House bids.

In 2020, the last election not featuring a Democratic incumbent, more than two dozen candidates explored White House bids or entered the primaries.