With a long road ahead, it's already a crowded field for DNC hopefuls

On Monday California Senator Kamala Harris told the nation she’s running for president against Donald Trump in 2020.  Harris is now one of four females who have all but thrown in their hat including fellow Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand along with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Also kicking the tires are Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro and New Jersey Congressman John Delaney.

That’s five candidates, each with impressive resumes. And it is still very early. Some are expecting heavy hitters like Joe Biden, Beto O’Rourke, Cory Brooker and potentially a third try by Hillary Clinton to all take their shot against a potentially vulnerable President Trump.

There’s still along way to go between now and July 2020 when the party picks its candidate, and odds are this will seem a lot more like a marathon than a sprint.

However, with a strong field already, there are a lot of angles to consider:

• Is declaring this early an advantage or disadvantage for candidates?
• Just how much money will be needed to secure the nomination this time?
• Does a candidate like Harris risk peaking too early if declared the frontrunner this far out?
• Who else is lurking in the weeds that few might consider?
• Lastly, there’s public support and there are super-delegates. Does the candidate still need to be the party favorite to have a chance at winning?

That’s where the experts from the University of Mary Washington can help.

Rosalyn Cooperman, is an associate professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and member of Gender Watch 2018, is an expert on women in politics. 

Dr. Stephen Farnsworth is professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington. Author of six books on the presidential elections, the media and the presidency, he is available to speak with media regarding this issue.

Simply click on either expert’s icon to arrange an interview today.