In the recent January address, there were political jabs made across party lines that could potentially reveal more about American politics in 2028 rather than 2024. Some of the most notable state leaders, who are being considered as potential presidential candidates in four years, are taking advantage of their annual speeches to criticize their counterparts in distant state capitals.

During a time when the number of people watching the President’s State of the Union address is decreasing, only the most politically engaged voters pay attention to the State of the State addresses given by governors. However, these speeches offer valuable insight into the country’s major policy discussions and also highlight the toxic and divisive nature of politics. While states have always had competitive economic and political relationships, there is now a growing trend of governors speaking like members of opposing sides in a conflict.

recently touted as a potential 2024 running mate, during her January State of the State speech from Pierre. “When I was with our soldiers at the border, I saw the inhumanity of Biden’s failed policies.”

It is improbable that the cross-border attacks will decrease due to the significant amount of governors from both political parties who are seen as potential national candidates, or at least see themselves in that role.

Popular Republican governors, including Abbott, Noem, Youngkin from Virginia, Kemp from Georgia, and Sanders from Arkansas, are often mentioned as potential candidates for the 2028 election.

The roster of potential national candidates within the Democratic party includes several governors: Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Wes Moore of Maryland, Maura Healey of Massachusetts, and Andy Beshear of Kentucky are all seen as potential contenders for a national position.

Given the current state of the presidential race, which appears to be a contentious rematch between two older and disliked white men, there is a chance for the country’s governors to emerge as potential future political leaders. These governors are typically younger, less disliked, and not as heavily influenced by partisan conflicts.

According to Democratic Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy, there is a strong resurgence of a radical right-wing agenda that is determined to strip us of our basic rights. This was stated during a speech in Trenton last month, where Murphy, who has been rumored to have aspirations for Washington, also mentioned his wife’s campaign for Senate. He specifically mentioned the targeting of rights such as voting, LGBT, and reproductive rights, including the right to abortion.

Although politicians aiming for national positions often avoid discussing their future plans, Governor Jared Polis of Colorado did not shy away from the topic during his State of the State speech in January.

Polis, currently in his second term as a Denver official after ten years in the House of Representatives, addressed the rumors surrounding his future. He stated that he is prepared to put an end to the speculation, especially as competition heats up in the coming weeks.

It was a hint at pursuing further political goals that concluded with a joke: “I am excited to announce that I will be attempting to join the Colorado Rockies this upcoming season.”