Potential Democratic Candidates for 2028 Presidential Nomination

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is frequently cited as a key contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. However, a recent poll suggests she will face a competitive primary field.

Poll Results from Michigan

A survey by The Public Sentiment Institute (TPSI), conducted between July 25-29 among 762 likely voters in Michigan, showed Pete Buttigieg leading with 24.2% support. In addition, 21.7% of respondents remain undecided, highlighting the early stage volatility.

Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia was second with 13.9%, closely followed by Ocasio-Cortez from New York at 10.7%. California Governor Gavin Newsom had 10.0%, while former Vice President Kamala Harris garnered 5.1% support. Other contenders included Illinois Governor JB Pritzker with 3.8% and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro with 3.6%.

The poll’s margin of error was ±4 points at a 95% confidence level.

Prediction Markets Indicate Competitive Race

Prediction markets reveal no clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. Platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi show fluctuating odds among many candidates, reflecting uncertainty about who will enter the contest and how priorities may shift.

Although prediction markets provide some insight, they do not directly measure voter support.

On Polymarket, as of Saturday morning, Newsom had a 19% chance, followed by Ocasio-Cortez and Ossoff at 14%, Harris at 9%, Buttigieg and Shapiro at 5%, and Pritzker with a 1% chance.

Kalshi’s figures show Newsom 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 Candidates

Harris, during recent visits to Michigan and South Carolina, hinted at running but has made no formal announcement. In April, she told Reverend Al Sharpton, “I might. I am thinking about it.” She emphasized her close proximity to the presidency as Vice President.

Newsom expressed skepticism in a June 2025 interview with The Wall Street Journal but acknowledged it as a potential path.

Ocasio-Cortez discussed the speculation in a talk with David Axelrod. She emphasized her ambitions to change the country rather than focusing solely on a presidential run.

Ossoff clearly stated he is not planning to run. He told CNN, “I am not running for president in 2028. I have no interest in running for president in 2028,” focusing instead on reelection in Georgia.