Senator Jon Ossoff Gains Attention in Early Polling for 2028 Democratic Presidential Field

Senator Jon Ossoff is gaining traction in early polling for the potential 2028 Democratic presidential field. This occurs as support for former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom has decreased from their previous peaks. Although candidates normally announce their presidential runs post-midterms, some start earlier. As of now, no one has formally entered the 2028 presidential race.

While Ossoff has expressed disinterest in running for president in 2028, Morning Consult highlighted him as a key figure. His support doubled from 3% to 7% compared to previous polls. Despite trailing the Democratic frontrunners, this increase from an initial 1% in May marks consecutive gains for him. In contrast, Harris leads with 24% support, followed by Newsom at 12%, and Pete Buttigieg at 9%. Morning Consult’s survey, conducted from August 28-30 among 2,203 registered voters, has a margin of error of ±2 percentage points.

According to Morning Consult, the Democratic race appears stable among frontrunners yet dynamic underneath. Harris’s standing remained consistent over five polling waves, while Newsom fell from 19% in June. Ossoff continues to rise. Newsweek reached out to Ossoff’s campaign for comment.

Patrick Casale, senior adviser to Nevada GOP Chairman Michael McDonald, told Newsweek that Ossoff’s future as a serious 2028 contender hinges on the Democratic Party’s socialist wing’s performance in midterms. Success would likely propel Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez forward. However, failure could steer the party away from her, allowing Ossoff’s growing numbers to gain relevance.

Casale wasn’t surprised by Harris and Newsom’s polling trends. He attributed it to dissatisfaction with California’s governance under both leaders. He remarked bluntly on California’s perceived decline under their leadership.

Ossoff’s National Attention and Public Remarks

Ossoff’s recent polling improvements coincide with increased national attention. His confrontational stance against President Donald Trump and the administration drew focus. At an August rally, Ossoff spotlighted Trump aide Natalie Harp, critiquing Trump’s administrative priorities and decisions about the Iran war. Ossoff stated that Trump neglected his duties, preferring leisure.

Following Ossoff’s comments, Trump mocked him, comparing Ossoff to Pee-wee Herman during a public statement. Despite Trump’s jab, Ossoff maintained his stance and commented to MS NOW about the administration’s strong response.

Other Polls and Their Implications

Additional polls reflect similar trends for Harris, although the size of her lead fluctuates. A Rasmussen Reports poll from August placed Harris at 37%, ahead of Newsom at 14%. Ocasio-Cortez had 9% support, followed closely by Buttigieg at 8%. This survey spanned July 15-21 with 472 respondents.

A July Emerson College poll contrasted with Buttigieg at 19% and Newsom at 17%. Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez each received 13%, while Harris lagged at 8%. Governors Andy Beshear, Josh Shapiro, and J.B. Pritzker had lesser support. Conducted from July 19-20 among 574 respondents, Emerson’s poll featured a ±4 percentage points margin of error.

These varying poll results emphasize uncertainties surrounding Harris’s leading position within the Democratic field.

Republican Field Movement

In the Republican arena, Morning Consult noted changes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gained ground, increasing his support to 22% from July’s figures. This marked the first significant movement since March, exceeding the survey’s margin of error.

Vice President JD Vance stands as the Republican front-runner, holding 36%. However, this is his lowest polling figure to date, diminishing from March’s 33-point lead. Rubio, alongside Vance, reached double-digit support consistently.

No Republican candidate has declared a 2028 run. While Ossoff expresses disinterest, Harris ponders the role, AOC aims for global influence, and Newsom leaves prospects to fortune.