Former Rhode Island Governor and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is openly considering a run for president in 2028, making her one of the first prominent Democrats to express interest in the next race for the White House.
Speaking Tuesday with longtime political strategist David Axelrod at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, Raimondo gave a direct response when asked if she was considering a campaign: “Yes.”
“I care deeply about this country,” Raimondo said. “I’ve dedicated 15 years to public service and if I think there’s a big way for me to serve again — including running — I’ll do it.”
Raimondo emphasized she would also step aside if another candidate was better positioned to win. “If I thought somebody else would be better or better able to win, I’d get behind that person in a minute.”
Raimondo, who was general treasurer of Rhode Island before serving two terms as governor, led the Commerce Department under President Joe Biden. After stepping down earlier this year, she joined the Council on Foreign Relations as a distinguished fellow.
During Tuesday’s discussion, Raimondo cautioned that Democrats face significant challenges ahead. “The Democratic Party has a huge amount of work to do. Introspection — where did we go wrong? What are our policies going to be? What is our platform going to be?”
She warned the party risks being viewed as “elitist” and “out of touch,” and said it may take several election cycles to regain momentum nationally. “There’s a reason there were a dozen years between Carter and Clinton,” she said.
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