Names Emerge For 2028 Democratic Presidential Contenders

Although the 2028 Democratic presidential primaries are still over three years away, polling data has already begun to emerge, providing early insights into potential candidates and frontrunners.

Democrats lost their grip on both the White House and Senate in the 2024 election, following their loss of the House in the 2022 midterms. After former President Joe Biden withdrew late in the 2024 race and Vice President Kamala Harris was unable to defeat President Donald Trump in November, the party now faces a leadership vacuum.

Despite the 2028 election being nearly four years away, pollsters have started surveying Democratic voters to assess their preferences. According to Newsweek, early polling suggests that a few well-known Democrats are beginning to stand out as frontrunners.

Since the 2024 election, multiple polls have consistently positioned Kamala Harris as the leading candidate for the 2028 Democratic primary. Behind her, several other high-profile Democrats are emerging as strong contenders.

While none of these potential candidates have officially announced their intention to run, the polling provides an early glimpse into voter preferences.

Harris’ future political trajectory remains uncertain, but there is considerable speculation that she may opt to run for California governor in 2026, as Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will be ineligible for reelection due to term limits. Polling suggests she would be the leading candidate if she enters the race.

A recent poll conducted by Echelon Insights from February 10 to 13, which surveyed 443 likely voters, showed Harris leading the Democratic field with 36% support.

Similarly, a J.L. Partners/Daily Mail poll conducted from February 2 to 3 among 500 registered voters found Harris leading with 30% support. Meanwhile, a McLaughlin & Associates survey from late January, which included 414 likely voters, placed her at 35%.

In every recent poll, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has remained a distant second. The Echelon Insights poll recorded his support at 10%, while J.L. Partners and McLaughlin & Associates reported 8% and 9%, respectively.

Buttigieg previously ran a strong campaign in the 2020 Democratic primary, securing a narrow victory in the Iowa caucuses and tying in the New Hampshire primary. However, he withdrew following Biden’s dominant win in South Carolina. After endorsing Biden, he served as Transportation Secretary from 2020 until Biden left office.

California Governor Gavin Newsom follows closely behind Buttigieg in recent polling. Echelon Insights placed him at 6%, slightly trailing the former Transportation Secretary. The J.L. Partners survey showed Newsom and Buttigieg tied at 8%, while McLaughlin & Associates ranked Newsom third at 7%.

Left-wing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York is also regarded as a key contender for 2028. Polls conducted by Echelon Insights and J.L. Partners show her receiving 5% support, while a separate McLaughlin & Associates poll places her at 6%.

Other notable candidates consistently ranking higher than most include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was a leading contender for Harris’ running mate, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom Harris ultimately selected for the ticket.

Some unexpected figures have also appeared in polling data. Billionaire Mark Cuban registered 3% support in the Echelon Insights poll, while ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith received 2% in the McLaughlin & Associates survey.

Despite Harris’ strong standing in early polls, several Democratic strategists and donors have expressed reluctance toward her making another White House bid, particularly after her 2024 campaign spent over $1 billion and ended in a decisive loss to Trump.

Among those discouraging another Harris presidential run is strategist Theryn Bond, who told Newsmax’s National Report in December, “Please don’t run.”

During an interview, host Emma Rechenberg stated, “The Vice President has been instructing advisers and allies to keep her options open. That could be a possible 2028 presidential run or even a run for governor in her home state of California in two years. Harris has reportedly repeating in phone calls, quote, ‘I’m staying in the fight.’ Let’s talk about it now with our political panelists. Theryn Bond joins us now, a Democratic strategist and Luke Ball is a Republican strategist. So two different perspectives here. Is this a good idea for VP Harris to continue her political ambitions?”

Bond responded, “Not to run for president again in 2028, please don’t. I can’t really speak for governor of California. Californians seem to support her significantly. We haven’t yet been able to measure what that support looks like after this current run she just had. That may be the only thing that she — I guess, may make sense for her to consider. But another shot at the presidency, I hope she doesn’t. And if she is relying on those same advisers that advised her this cycle, that’s not who I would listen to.”