Scarred by Trump, challengers eye 2020

– Rebels –

Firebrand Senator Elizabeth Warren, 68, would have a tangible base of support should she run. Like Sanders, she is among the party’s popular, sharp-tongued liberals. But her politics align with Sanders — she backs his universal health care plan.

Senator Sherrod Brown is a populist flying under the radar, but he has firm progressive credentials. Being from the crucial state of Ohio, he could help Democrats win back support in the Rust Belt.

– Up-and-comers –

Senator Cory Booker is already a star, but there is room to grow on the national stage. A gifted speaker and champion of the poor, the youthful African-American is hailed as Obama’s heir.

Kamala Harris is the new charismatic US senator from California, a fervent supporter of immigrant and civil rights who has already courted major donors at fundraisers and meet-and-greets.

Also in this category: Senators Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Montana Governor Steve Bullock.

– Celebrities –

If Democrats want to fight Trump fire with fire, billionaire TV icon Oprah Winfrey is their likeliest option. She has extraordinarily deep pockets and massive name recognition.

Business and entertainment mogul Mark Cuban and wealthy environmental activist Tom Steyer are also mulling runs.

– Longshots –

These are not household names, but that may change.

Congressman John Delaney of Maryland is the first Democrat to declare his 2020 candidacy. As an economic centrist with hardscrabble roots who made millions starting successful businesses, he could appeal to frustrated Trumpists.

Massachusetts congressman Seth Moulton is a military veteran with a Harvard business degree, and Ohio’s Tim Ryan raised his profile last year by challenging Nancy Pelosi for her House leadership job.

Americans might want such newcomers to carry the baton, said Matt Paul, who ran Clinton’s 2016 campaign in Iowa.

“I think there will be pressure and interest in a new face, a new story, someone who… energizes and builds out this base again,” he said.

– And Republicans? –

Internal revolts are rarely successful, but Trump’s hostile takeover of the Republican Party has all but invited a 2020 challenge.

Senators Jeff Flake and Bob Corker have announced they are not seeking re-election, freeing them up to criticize the president and possibly mount insurgent campaigns.

Ohio Governor John Kasich, a 2016 candidate, has not ruled out a run. Other 2016 holdovers to watch: Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.