As the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran increasingly dominates political debate in Washington, several prominent Democrats who could become contenders in the 2028 presidential race are beginning to share their views publicly.

Two governors often mentioned as possible future candidates — California Governor Gavin Newsom and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear — recently visited New Hampshire, a state known for its influential early presidential primary voters. During their visits, both leaders addressed the escalating war and questioned President Donald Trump’s strategy and objectives.

Their comments come as foreign policy issues surrounding Iran take on greater prominence in the national political conversation.

Beshear Questions Trump’s Justification for War

Speaking after a Democratic fundraiser in Keene, New Hampshire, Governor Andy Beshear raised concerns about the administration’s approach to the conflict.

Beshear argued that if a president decides to enter a war — especially one that could place American troops in danger — the administration must clearly explain the reasoning behind that decision.

“If a president is going to take a country into war and risk the lives of American troops and Americans in the region, he has to have a real justification,” Beshear said.

He also suggested that the explanation provided by the White House has changed frequently.

Beshear said the administration has shifted its messaging from discussions of regime change to broader strategic objectives and, more recently, to calls for “unconditional surrender.”

According to the governor, the public still lacks a clear understanding of what the final goal of the war might be.

Concerns About Congressional Oversight

Beshear also criticized what he described as the administration’s willingness to bypass Congress when making decisions about military action.

He said the president appears to be ignoring the role of Congress and the American public in determining whether the country should enter a war.

The governor pointed out that President Trump delivered his State of the Union address only days before launching the military operation, yet did not warn Americans about what he believed to be a major threat from Iran.

Earlier this month, both the House of Representatives and the Senate attempted to pass resolutions that would limit Trump’s war powers regarding Iran. However, those efforts ultimately failed to gain enough support.

Newsom Links Iran Conflict to Criticism of Netanyahu

Governor Gavin Newsom also addressed the conflict during recent appearances, connecting the war with broader criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

At an event in Los Angeles, Newsom previously described Israel as an “apartheid state.” While visiting New Hampshire, he clarified that his remark was referencing a column by New York Times writer Tom Friedman.

According to Newsom, the comment was specifically related to concerns about Netanyahu’s political direction, including discussions around the annexation of the West Bank and domestic political tensions within Israel.

Newsom said he is deeply frustrated with the situation.

“I’m very angry about this war,” he said, noting that while he is not sympathetic toward Iran’s leadership, he believes the American public still deserves a clear explanation of the war’s purpose and long-term goals.

Voters Say Iran Is a Major Concern

For many attendees at Newsom’s New Hampshire event, the conflict in Iran was one of the most important topics on their minds.

Some voters said they felt deeply disturbed by the situation, while others were interested in hearing how potential presidential candidates might approach foreign policy if elected.

Alicia Marr, a 29-year-old attendee, said Newsom’s reaction to the war on social media motivated her to attend the event.

She described the conflict as unacceptable and said she wanted to learn more about how leaders plan to address it.

Domestic Issues Still Top Priority for Many Voters

Despite the strong interest in international affairs, several voters said their primary concerns remain domestic.

One attendee, Anita Alden, said she is more focused on economic challenges at home.

Alden said she wants political leaders to prioritize rebuilding the middle class and addressing what she described as the growing influence of wealthy elites.

“We have so many problems at home that are my priority,” she said.

Her comments reflect a broader theme in American politics: even during major international crises, many voters remain most concerned with economic conditions and domestic policy.

Kamala Harris Also Opposes Military Action

Another potential 2028 contender, former Vice President Kamala Harris, has also voiced opposition to the administration’s military strategy.

In a recent interview with Fox 2 Detroit, Harris said she “unequivocally opposes” the decision to take military action against Iran.

She called on Congress to intervene and limit the president’s authority to continue the war.

“If we want to stop Donald Trump with this random decision that he has arrived at, then Congress must act immediately,” Harris said.

Harris also warned that Americans do not want their family members drawn into what she described as an unauthorized war.

Trump Responds to Democratic Criticism

President Trump has strongly pushed back against criticism from Democratic leaders regarding his Iran policy.

Last week, he referred to critics within the Democratic Party as “losers,” arguing that they would oppose any decision he made about the conflict.

Trump said Democrats would have criticized him equally if he had chosen not to take military action.

“If I did it, it’s no good. If I didn’t do it, they would have said the opposite,” the president said.

The Bottom Line

As the conflict with Iran continues to shape U.S. foreign policy debates, several prominent Democrats are already using the issue to define their political positions ahead of the 2028 presidential election cycle.

With visits to influential states like New Hampshire and strong public statements about the war, figures such as Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear, and Kamala Harris are beginning to outline how they would approach international crises differently.

For many voters, however, the ultimate decision in future elections may hinge on a balance between foreign policy leadership and solutions to domestic challenges.