Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Donald Trump Jr. campaigned in Iowa on Thursday for their respective party's candidates, a move that underscores their potential interest in the 2028 presidential race.
Beshear, who won reelection as governor in November 2023 in a state that backed President Trump twice, has built a national profile as a Democrat who can compete in Republican territory. Trump Jr. a prominent conservative figure and frequent surrogate for his father, has maintained influence within GOP circles.
Both men are following a well-worn playbook: candidates seeking to run for president visit Iowa years in advance to build relationships with local party infrastructure and voters. Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses make early engagement there a political necessity for anyone seriously considering a White House bid.
Neither Beshear nor Trump Jr. has announced a 2028 campaign. By campaigning for other candidates now, both can build goodwill and test their appeal with voters without the formal commitment and scrutiny that comes with a declared candidacy.
