Scoop: Democrats eyeing 2028 bids court Warren

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , one of most influential leaders in the progressive movement, is being publicly and privately courted by Democrats eyeing presidential bids in 2028 — a sign they're trying to build up their lefty credentials. Why it matters: Progressives are on the rise in the party, and Warren is a key ally to have. She lost her bid for the White House in 2020 but played a major role in shaping Joe Biden's presidency by installing her allies in his administration. Her moves haven't been without controversy. Some centrist Democrats worry that Warren has helped pushed the party too far to the left. Zoom in: Now, Warren's working to put her stamp on the 2028 Democratic primary. She met privately with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear for tea this month and has a texting relationship with California Gov. Gavin Newsom , Axios has learned. Both potential contenders for president are more moderate than Warren, a frequent target of President Trump and conservatives because of her push for consumer protections and corporate regulation. Warren also has been talking with former Biden and Obama officials about how a future Democratic president could reshape the federal government in light of Trump's DOGE cuts, a person familiar with the discussions told us. Newsom took a major step to woo Warren World when he tapped one of the senator's protégés, Rohit Chopra, to lead a new consumer agency in California this month. A few months earlier, Warren had been spotted at a restaurant with Newsom in San Francisco. Warren's relationship with Newsom's circle goes back years: His wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, endorsed Warren for president in 2020. Warren likewise has teamed up with New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , a fellow progressive and potential 2028 contender, on policy. In February, AOC became the House co-lead on a bill by Warren aimed at implementing universal child care. What they're saying: In an interview with...

Original source: Axios