George Clooney’s Watchlist for the 2028 Presidential Election

George Clooney, a prominent actor and Democratic fundraiser, has identified three key Democrats to watch ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Clooney plans to wait until after the upcoming midterm elections to endorse any candidate. The midterm elections on November 3 may serve as an early test for two of these figures: Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, both of whom are seeking reelection this year. In contrast, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is not facing reelection in November.

Democratic Contenders

At a recent event in Venice called The Future of Creativity, Clooney praised Jon Ossoff, stating, “I think we’re all very excited by this young senator from Georgia.” Clooney, aged 65, believes the Democratic Party benefits from younger voices bringing fresh ideas. He also expressed admiration for both Pritzker and Beshear, though he has not committed to any candidate just yet. Representatives for Clooney, Ossoff, Pritzker, and Beshear were contacted for comments by Newsweek.

The remarks draw attention due to Clooney’s influence in prior elections. He notably urged President Joe Biden to step down from his reelection campaign in a New York Times essay, following a poor debate against Donald Trump. Biden subsequently withdrew, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris who later lost the general election.

Poll Standings

Currently, early polling shows no clear favorite among Clooney’s three prospects for the Democratic nomination. The RealClearPolling national average, capturing data from July 19 through September 28, places Harris at 26.3 percent, followed by California Governor Gavin Newsom at 14.3 percent, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 12.6 percent. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ranks at 10 percent. Ossoff trails with 8.8 percent, while Beshear and Pritzker come in at 4 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.

In a Harvard-Harris poll conducted September 26-28, Ossoff received 6 percent, with Pritzker at 5 percent while Harris led at 38 percent. The Echelon Insights poll from September showed Ossoff at 8 percent, and Beshear and Pritzker at 2 percent. In contrast, an earlier Emerson poll in July reported Ossoff at 13 percent and Beshear at 7 percent.

Ossoff’s Upcoming Test

Among the trio, Ossoff has the strongest national polling presence. His current challenge is the November 3 Senate race against Republican Mike Collins. Ossoff’s initial Senate victory occurred via a narrow win against Republican David Perdue.

The RealClearPolling average positions Ossoff at 51.1 percent against Collins’ 43.1 percent, reflecting an eight-point lead. Various polls conducted in September consistently show Ossoff ahead, with margins ranging from four to 10 percentage points. For instance, a Big Data Poll survey in late September of 678 likely Georgia voters found Ossoff leading by 55 percent to 45 percent, signifying an 11-point margin.

Ossoff’s potential victory could elevate his role in future party discussions. Clooney’s comments underscore the appeal of Ossoff’s youth. At 39, he epitomizes the younger generation within the party amid ongoing debates about generational shifts post-2024.

Pritzker’s Reelection Bid

Governor Pritzker is also seeking a new term on November 3, differing from Ossoff in that there is less recent polling data for his state race. The RealClearPolling page shows a November 2025 Victory Research survey of 1,200 potential voters, indicating Pritzker with a 54 to 34 percent lead. He previously beat Darren Bailey by double digits in 2022.

On the national stage, Pritzker’s presidential prospects are modest. The RealClearPolling average places him at 3.2 percent in the Democratic nomination contest, trailing stronger candidates. Nonetheless, the current Democratic field remains fluid.

Beshear’s Position

As Kentucky’s governor, Beshear is Clooney’s third mention. Unlike Ossoff and Pritzker, Beshear is not on the ballot in the 2026 midterms. His re-election occurred in 2023.

In national polling, Beshear usually ranks in the low single digits. The RealClearPolling average lists him at 4 percent, outpacing Pritzker but not Ossoff. The July Emerson survey pegged him at 7 percent, while a September Big Data Poll reported 4 percent. Beshear advocates for a Democratic governor to become the next president, emphasizing governors’ executive experience.

The Nascent Race

The polling data reflects the mutable landscape of the upcoming election, serving as snapshots of recognition rather than reliable future indicators. Clooney himself has not closed the door on possibilities. He mentioned in September he won’t endorse anyone before the midterms, ruling out his own candidacy.

For Ossoff and Pritzker, November 3 offers a more concrete measure than hypothetical polling: an electoral test that will shape their political narratives, as Clooney and other Democratic figures watch closely.