Potential 2028 Democratic Hopefuls Discuss AI, Gaza and Tax Policy at Nevada IndyFest
Four Democrats weighing 2028 presidential runs met in Las Vegas, sharing blunt views on AI regulation, Gaza and wealth taxes.
During the IndyFest conference in Las Vegas, four Democrats who are contemplating a 2028 presidential run participated in live interviews. Rep. Ro Khanna emphasized a New Deal-style agenda, proposing billionaire taxes to fund free childcare, college and Medicare for All, while criticizing Gov. Gavin Newsom for opposing a wealth-tax ballot measure. Sen. Mark Kelly said his decision hinges on whether he is the right choice for the country and referenced his AI legislation work.
Gov. Andy Beshear suggested a governor should be the nominee and warned against anti-Israel sentiment harming the party, while also stressing the need for federal AI regulation. Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel highlighted anti-corruption measures, a potential AI kill-switch, and said he would back whichever candidate wins the nomination. All four declined to make a definitive campaign announcement, underscoring the fluid state of the Democratic field ahead of Nevada’s pivotal 2028 primary.
Why it matters
The candidates' positions reveal how the Democratic Party may shape policy on AI, foreign aid and wealth taxation in the next election cycle.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Joe Concha accuses Senate hopeful Abdul el Sayed of political double-talk
- Oct 2 The Georgia Senate debate turned sharply personal as Ossoff pledged to repeal Trump-era tariffs and accused Collins of siding with the president. Collins defended the tax cuts tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and blamed the Inflation Reduction Act for inflation. Both candidates clashed over data-center subsidies, with Ossoff linking Collins to a billionaire donor and Collins returning the charge. The discussion also covered the ongoing conflict with Iran and a recent immigration raid at a Hyundai plant, while each candidate faced accusations of extremist associations.
- Oct 3 A Rasmussen Reports poll now shows El‑Sayed leading Rogers 47% to 44%.
- Oct 5 Jeffries warned that Republican money is being poured into Long Island districts held by Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, despite those seats being vulnerable to Democratic wins. He noted that the GOP’s focus on these races is making Republican-held districts, including the upstate seat of retiring Elisa Stafanik, more competitive. Jeffries also linked the alleged mismanagement to reports about Donald Trump advisers Chris LaCivita and James Blair working abroad. Democratic super PACs are holding back, believing their incumbents are well positioned, while GOP groups have spent nearly $2 million on Gillen’s district.
- Oct 9 The first televised debate between the Michigan Senate hopefuls was held Thursday night.
- Oct 10 Trump posted on Truth Social after the debate, claiming Rogers completely dominated and calling El‑Sayed a jihadist lunatic.
- Oct 12 Collins publicly accused Ossoff of using Georgia to launch a 2028 presidential bid.
- Oct 17 The candidates held their first televised debate.
- Oct 18 Jeffries warned that the GOP's focus on the Long Island races may jeopardize the upstate district of retiring Elisa Stafanik.
- Oct 19 Trump posted a Truth Social attack on El‑Sayed and shared a Kid Rock video warning of religious conflict in Dearborn.
- Oct 22 The candidates participated in a final televised debate in Detroit.
- Oct 22 New polling shows El‑Sayed holding a slight edge over Rogers.
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