Democratic Governors Association chairman outlines 2026 strategy for Southern state races

The chairman of the Democratic Governors Association said Sunday that winning gubernatorial contests in 2026 could expand the party's reach in traditionally Republican states. He linked those races to a broader effort to rebuild the party's national coalition ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Speaking on NBC's Meet the Press after attending an event in South Carolina, the chairman said his immediate focus remains on governor's races. He argued those contests allow the party to emphasize economic issues that affect voters' daily lives.

Focus on 2026 races "I'm fully focused on 2026 because as the head of the Democratic Governors Association, we're going to elect Democratic governors where people aren't expecting it, and we're going to change the map for '28," the chairman said. He cited Iowa and Ohio as states that could become competitive if Democrats win those contests in November.

The chairman said he has not ruled out a presidential bid in 2028 but has not discussed the possibility with his family. He described the growing influence of Southern Democrats within the party and pointed to the party's current governors and senators in the region.

Redistricting and structural proposals The chairman praised South Carolina's state legislature for defeating a proposal to redraw the state's congressional map. He reiterated support for banning partisan redistricting nationwide and called for a constitutional amendment that would also address campaign finance rules and term limits for federal officials.

"I think it's time for a 'fix the darn country' constitutional amendment," he said.