2028 Democratic candidates
The Democrats most likely to seek the presidency in 2028. No one has formally declared yet, so this is the field as it is forming.
Who is the Democratic frontrunner for 2028?
The early Democratic field has no clear leader. Kamala Harris has led most national 2028 Democratic primary polls since spring 2026, usually with Gavin Newsom second, while Newsom leads the Democratic prediction markets and Pete Buttigieg has led a few surveys (Emerson, Overton). Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Josh Shapiro round out the early top tier. No Democrat has formally declared a 2028 campaign.
Democratic candidates most likely to run in 2028
- Gavin Newsom - Governor of CaliforniaLeads Democratic 2028 prediction markets (around a 30 percent chance of the nomination) and runs at or near the top of recent national Democratic primary polls.
- Kamala Harris - Former Vice PresidentHas led most recent national 2028 Democratic primary polls (from the high 20s to the mid 40s since spring 2026), though only mid-single digits in betting markets.
- Pete Buttigieg - Former U.S. Transportation SecretaryLed a couple of May 2026 national Democratic primary surveys (Emerson, Overton) but trails Kamala Harris in most recent polls; low in betting markets.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - U.S. Representative (NY-14)Polls in the low double digits and shows a high ceiling among progressives.
- Josh Shapiro - Governor of PennsylvaniaPolls in high single digits; consistently ranked top-tier by analysts.
Compare them on 2028 odds, polls, and the Democratic primary. The full field, including possible and long-shot names, is below.
Latest 2028 Democratic primary polls
Kamala Harris leads the most recent survey at 26% (McLaughlin & Associates, June 17-23, 2026).
| Poll | Dates | Harris | Newsom | Buttigieg | Ocasio-Cortez | Shapiro | Kelly | Beshear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLaughlin & Associates464 LV | June 17-23, 2026 | 26% | 16% | 8% | 9% | 5% | 3% | – |
| Echelon Insights515 LV | June 11-14, 2026 | 20% | 14% | 14% | 12% | 6% | 4% | 2% |
| Noble Predictive Insights1,013 RV | June 1-4, 2026 | 27% | 14% | 11% | 8% | – | – | 2% |
| Focaldata685 RV | May 29 - June 1, 2026 | 37% | 17% | 8% | 7% | 3% | 5% | 3% |
| Harvard-Harris1,725 RV | May 29-31, 2026 | 44% | 26% | – | 8% | 10% | – | – |
| I&I/TIPP593 RV | May 26-28, 2026 | 31% | 14% | 6% | 5% | 6% | 4% | 2% |
| Big Data Poll1,378 LV | May 24-27, 2026 | 28% | 17% | 11% | 9% | 6% | 6% | 3% |
| Emerson College432 LV | May 24-25, 2026 | 9.9% | 15.9% | 17.9% | 11.1% | 10% | – | 8.5% |
| Overton Insights661 LV | May 16-20, 2026 | 9% | 13% | 16% | 12% | 8% | 4% | 3% |
| Rasmussen Reports433 LV | May 18-20, 2026 | 34% | 12% | 10% | 11% | 9% | 9% | 4% |
| Echelon Insights501 LV | May 14-18, 2026 | 23% | 17% | 10% | 11% | 5% | 6% | 2% |
Leading name per poll in bold. Full detail on the Democratic primary polls page. Percentages as reported by each pollster.
Other Democratic names who could run in 2028
A senior Minnesota senator and 2020 presidential candidate who entered the 2026 Minnesota governor's race after Tim Walz bowed out, winning the DFL endorsement - a move that points her toward state office rather than a 2028 White House bid.
A twice-elected Democratic governor of deep-red Kentucky and 2026 chair of the Democratic Governors Association. He has stepped up national travel and openly acknowledges weighing a 2028 run, but says he will not decide until his term ends in late 2027.
The progressive Vermont senator and two-time presidential candidate whose movement still shapes the party, though his age makes a third run unlikely.
A Connecticut senator who has built a larger national profile on guns, foreign policy and democracy, and is sometimes named as a 2028 dark horse.
A former 2020 candidate and high-profile New Jersey senator promoting a new book with a national tour who says he is "definitely not ruling out" a 2028 run, even as he seeks Senate re-election in 2026.
A former CIA officer and Michigan senator who has been given high-profile national speaking roles, fueling some 2028 mentions.
Popular swing-state governor often listed as a top contender. In May 2026 she said she would not make a 2028 bid, then immediately softened it to 'never say never.'
Wealthy, combative Illinois governor seeking re-election in 2026 who has signaled he will be deeply involved in the 2028 cycle.
A wealthy, business-friendly Colorado governor who is term-limited in 2026, leaving him free to consider a national run.
Former astronaut and swing-state senator with a moderate, national-security-forward brand. Has publicly said a 2028 bid is under consideration.
A two-term New Jersey governor who left office in January 2026, succeeded by fellow Democrat Mikie Sherrill. He has not taken a 2028 run off the table but plays it down ("I wouldn't put a lot of money on that").
A former Chicago mayor, Obama White House chief of staff and U.S. ambassador to Japan, now a CNN commentator and Washington Post columnist. He is among the most active 2028 signalers, saying he is "thinking about" a run and touring the country, but says he will not decide until after the 2026 midterms.
A pastor and Georgia senator who has twice won in a key battleground, a profile that keeps him in 2028 conversations.
A progressive, Sanders-aligned California congressman who has shifted from coy to openly weighing a 2028 bid, teasing a run in spring 2026 and drawing guidance from Biden's former chief of staff Ron Klain. Says a final decision waits until after the 2026 midterms.
A Marine veteran who won a Senate seat in battleground Arizona in 2024, giving him a profile some Democrats see as a future national asset.
Charismatic first-term governor and rising star who is focused on 2026 re-election but has not closed the door on a future national run.
See the 2028 Democratic primary for how the nomination is won.
Democratic names not running or ineligible in 2028
A young swing-state senator whose name has climbed in 2028 prediction markets. He says he has 'zero interest' in a 2028 run and is focused on his 2026 Senate re-election in Georgia.
The 46th president stepped aside during the 2024 race and endorsed Kamala Harris. He has given no sign of a 2028 campaign and would be 86 years old on Inauguration Day 2029.
The 2024 Democratic vice-presidential nominee and Minnesota governor ended his 2026 reelection bid in January 2026 amid scrutiny over state welfare fraud and said he will never run for elected office again - effectively taking himself out of 2028 contention.
For the rules on who qualifies, see who can run for president.
2028 Democratic candidates: FAQ
Who is the 2028 Democratic frontrunner?
Who are the 2028 Democratic candidates?
Who will be the 2028 Democratic nominee?
Who do Democrats want for president in 2028?
Has anyone officially announced a 2028 campaign?
Who are the top 10 Democratic candidates for 2028?
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