Potential Democratic Presidential Candidates for 2028

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is gaining attention as a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. However, a new poll suggests she would face strong competition in the primary race. The Public Sentiment Institute (TPSI) conducted a survey from July 25-29 with 762 likely voters in Michigan. The results show former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leading with 24.2% support. Meanwhile, 21.7% of respondents remain undecided, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the early stages of the race.

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff secured second place among listed candidates with 13.9%, closely followed by Ocasio-Cortez at 10.7%. California Governor Gavin Newsom received 10.0%, and former Vice President Kamala Harris captured 5.1% support. Additional contenders included Illinois Governor JB Pritzker at 3.8% and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro at 3.6%. The poll’s margin of error is plus or minus 4 points at a 95% confidence level.

Though these figures position Ocasio-Cortez as a significant figure within the party, they show her trailing some high-profile opponents in a crowded field. Newsweek attempted to contact Ocasio-Cortez’s office for comment.

Prediction Markets Indicate a Competitive Democratic Race

Early prediction markets show no clear frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic nomination. Platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi reveal fluctuating odds for several potential candidates, reflecting the uncertainty of who will join the race and how Democratic priorities may evolve over the next couple of years. While these markets can offer insight into public sentiment and trader expectations, they are not polls and do not directly measure voter support.

On Polymarket, as of Saturday morning, Newsom has a 19% chance, Ocasio-Cortez and Ossoff at 14%, Harris at 9%, Buttigieg and Shapiro at 5%, and Pritzker at 1%. Similarly, on Kalshi, Newsom stands at 18%, Ossoff at 15%, Ocasio-Cortez at 13%, Harris at 9.3%, Buttigieg at 5.5%, Shapiro at 4.5%, and Pritzker at 2.7%.

Statements from Potential 2028 Democratic Candidates

Kamal Harris, who has visited states like Michigan and South Carolina recently, has suggested a possible run without a formal announcement. “I might. I am thinking about it,” she told Reverend Al Sharpton in April when asked about her plans for 2028 during the National Action Network’s annual convention. Harris emphasized her proximity to the presidency during her tenure as Vice President and her extensive experience in key governmental areas.

Gavin Newsom discussed the possibility of a presidential run in a June 2025 interview with The Wall Street Journal. “I’m not thinking about running, but it’s a path that I could see unfold,” he stated.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responded to presidential speculation in a conversation with David Axelrod, former adviser to President Barack Obama, earlier this year. She expressed her focus on broader goals such as single-payer healthcare rather than personal political aspirations.

Jon Ossoff has explicitly stated he is not planning a presidential run, telling CNN, “I am not running for president in 2028, I have no interest in running for president in 2028.” He emphasized his focus on winning reelection in Georgia, a race rated as “Lean Democratic” by the Cook Political Report.

Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Matthew Robinson and Anthony Murray.