News and market highlights

The Democratic Party faces an open presidential primary in 2028, with no incumbent in the race and a wide field of governors, senators, and other figures taking early steps toward potential bids, according to AP. The primary is not expected to begin in earnest until 2027, leaving the field unsettled as the party works to identify its next standard-bearer.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced mounting pressure since NPR reported the White House had begun searching for a replacement, following a string of controversies including reports that he shared strike details over Signal on his personal phone. Republicans' midterm losses handed Democrats control of the House, putting Hegseth at the center of a new wave of scrutiny as the incoming majority takes the gavel on key oversight committees.

The 2028 U.S. presidential election will determine which party controls the White House for the term beginning January 20, 2029, according to the Federal Election Commission. The race remains open, with no major party nominees yet declared as the 2026 midterms conclude.