20 Democrats Who Could Run for President in 2020
By April Jones
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 25: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) walks on stage to deliver remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
4. Kirsten Gillibrand
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s political career so closely resembles that of Hillary Clinton that she seems like a logical choice to run for president in the next election. When Hillary Clinton gave up her seat as Senator for New York to take the Secretary of State position, Gillibrand filled it. She then went on to win reelection to the Senate twice. Her talent for fundraising has been a definite plus. In fact, word is spreading that she has already started reaching out to Clinton donors.
At the age of 50, Gillibrand already has ten years of service in Congress under her belt. She started out representing New York in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2007 before stepping into Clinton’s Senate shoes in 2009. Gillibrand’s most publicized cause has been preventing sexual assault on college campuses and in the military. One of her most controversial moves was inviting Emma Sulkowicz, an activist and advocate for sexual assault survivors, to attend the State of the Union address. But Gillibrand has proven that she’s not one to shy away from controversy. Her determination has made her a champion for women but it has also created some friction which could cost her the support of some Democratic members of Congress if she were to run for President.
Between Gillibrand, de Blasio, and Cuomo, New York would be a major player in the next presidential election. Gillibrand’s resemblance, politically speaking, to Hillary Clinton could be a major factor.