Opinion: Nate Silver Picks 27 Democrats to Watch as Party Reinvents Itself
A party still in transition
The Democratic Party is undergoing a substantial redefinition after a major midterm victory in recent U.S. history. The party’s success at the ballot box has not made its brand popular.
That leaves questions about how the party’s next phase will develop and who will guide it. Silver says the redefinition must continue.
Two groups of politicians
Silver selected 27 politicians he believes will have an important role in shaping the party’s future. One group consists of people seen as likely candidates in the 2028 race for president.
The other group, which Silver calls the Class of 2026, comprises rising Democrats who had breakthrough victories this year. He describes the eventual choice among presidential hopefuls as a potentially enviable problem for Democrats.
Mamdani and the rankings
The list includes 26 Democrats from the two groups, along with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Silver identifies Mamdani as a special case who does not technically fit either category.
The accompanying assessment ranks the 27 figures by ideology and political style. Silver says the rankings are subjective; the Alaska Senate race has not been called, and Mary Peltola is leading by more than 5,000 votes.
Key points
- Nate Silver assesses 27 politicians he believes could shape the Democratic Party’s future.
- The party won a major midterm victory, but its brand remains unpopular.
- The list covers likely 2028 candidates and rising Democrats with breakthrough victories.
- New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is included as a special case.