Tomorrow's Democrat: Who Could Run in 2016? -- PICTURES

By Brian Resnick

Updated: September 5, 2012 | 10:09 a.m.
September 4, 2012 | 5:23 p.m.

Is it too early to be thinking about the 2016 presidential race?

Perhaps, but along with some familiar names like Hillary Rodham Clinton, there is an emerging crop of Democrats whose careers will be worth following. By getting to know this next generation, we can get a sense of where the national political landscape is heading.

Here, National Journal compiles a list of rising party stars and old hands who may breathe new life into the Democratic Party.

(RELATED STORY: Searching for Tomorrow's Democrat)

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San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro Echoing President Obama's political history, Castro will be delivering the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. (Pat Sullivan/AP)

California Attorney General Kamala Harris Currently serving as one of the Obama campaign's national chairs, Harris's record as a prosecutor could make her a strong force in the party. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley The chair of the Democratic Governors Association has called for fellow Democrats to take back the political narrative from Republicans. Recently, he told National Journal, "Too many of us started trying to adopt [Republicans’] message and repackage it as our own.” (Chet Susslin)

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper Hickenlooper is ranked as one of the most popular governors by Public Policy Polling. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren Warren, now directing her political ambitions to Massachusetts, could appeal to liberals nationwide. (Ralf-Finn Hestoft)

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo A centrist Democrat, Cuomo's career is reminiscent of Bill Clinton's. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. Warner, a former Virginia governor, has a reputation for bipartisanship. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Newark Mayor Cory Booker Booker's speech at the convention could catapult him into the spotlight.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton As one of the brightest stars in the party, the 2008 presidential candidate can't be counted out. (Chet Susslin)

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