10. J.B. Pritzker
Few on this list would seem to be telegraphing their presidential desires — at least in a race without Biden — as strongly as the Illinois governor. His recent state of the state address had a decidedly nationalized feel, and he has focused intently on going after the likes of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). “It’s an ideological battle by the right wing, hiding behind a claim that they would protect our children — but whose real intention is to marginalize people and ideas they don’t like,” Pritzker said in the speech this week. “This has been done in the past, and it doesn’t stop with just snuffing out ideas.” (Previous ranking: 10)9. Josh Shapiro
There’s a new conventional wisdom forming that it’s not so much that Democrats have a weak bench — it’s just that the strong part is relatively new, as Politico’s Jonathan Martin writes. And the new Pennsylvania governor is perhaps at the head of that class (which also includes Sens. Mark Kelly and Raphael G. Warnock and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore). That doesn’t mean he can turn around and run for president just months after winning his first term — that would be very difficult — but it does mean it’s worth keeping a keen eye on how he’s faring in the Keystone State. (Previous ranking: 9)
8. Bernie Sanders
The Vermont senator has kept his options open despite at one point indicating the 2020 campaign was very likely to be his last run for president. But now he’s got a chairmanship he surely coveted, on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. That job will give Sanders great influence over issues he cares about — particularly health and labor. For now, the 81-year old is not committing to seek reelection in 2024, and he suggests he’s very much focused on legislating. “The purpose of elections is to elect people to do work, not to keep talking about elections,” he told the Times. (Previous ranking: 7)7. Amy Klobuchar
Speaking of having a reason to focus on the Senate: The Minnesota senator not only has a reelection campaign in 2024, but just became the No. 4 Democratic Senate leader. That’s not necessarily the marker of someone expecting to run for president again, but perhaps she assumes Biden will. Either way, a congressional leadership track would seem to be a good fit for Klobuchar. (Previous ranking: 5)6. Gretchen Whitmer
Whitmer has said she won’t run even if Biden doesn’t, but there would surely be pressure after her big 2022 reelection win in that case. Not only has the Michigan governor won two elections by about 10 points in a swing state, but Democrats took both chambers of the state legislature for the first time in about 40 years. Of course, that means Whitmer can really get some things done now — which might make it difficult for anxious Democrats to coax her into joining the field. (Previous ranking: 8)
5. Gavin Newsom
The California governor has embarked on a quest to make his party more aggressive. Not content to only go after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), he has also in recent days attacked GOP policies and proposals in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Virginia and, of course, Florida again. “Democrats need to wake up. We’re not on the offense,” Newsom told David Axelrod recently. “We’re sitting here playing defense, saying, ‘Perhaps we are too woke.’” Newsom still claims he won’t run for president even if Biden doesn’t, but we’re among those skeptical that he would be able to resist. (Previous ranking: 6)4. Jared Polis
Perhaps the one thing that strikes us most about the Colorado governor is his concerted effort not to cede talking about certain issues to Republicans. A good example came in his recent state of the state speech. “We want secure, accessible elections for every voter in our country, not just Colorado voters,” he said. “And, of course, we must secure our borders and fix our inhumane, broken immigration system.” Polis also offered an interesting response to the idea of Biden running again: “I’ll be enthusiastic if he’s enthusiastic.” (Previous ranking: 4)3. Kamala D. Harris
It’s generally not a good sign when the chatter turns from your own presidential prospects to whether the president will even keep you on the ticket if he runs. But Harris has now repeatedly been asked about that (thanks in part to a few tough recent profiles, and perhapsthe awkward answer on the subject from Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren). It’s difficult to see how Biden would ever change his running mate, so this really does feel like what Harris dismisses as “chatter.” But there’s no question the sitting vice president isn’t looking as strong as Democrats would prefer if Biden doesn’t run again. (Previous ranking: 3)
