Here are the Democrats and where they stand.
Although the 2028 presidential election is still years away, Democrats are already jockeying for position as they search for a candidate capable of challenging President Donald Trump and keeping the White House out of Republican hands.
A new poll suggests the race for the Democratic nomination is becoming far more competitive than many political observers expected. Instead of one or two clear frontrunners, several well-known Democrats are now battling for support as voters weigh who should lead the party into the next presidential election.
Pete Buttigieg Takes Early Lead
According to a new survey conducted by The Public Sentiment Institute between July 25 and July 29, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg currently leads the Democratic field among likely Michigan Democratic voters.
The survey of 762 likely voters found Buttigieg receiving 24.2% support, giving him a sizable advantage over the rest of the field.
Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff followed with 13.9%, while New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez earned 10.7%.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom placed just behind Ocasio-Cortez at 10%, while former Vice President Kamala Harris finished with only 5.1%, one of her weakest showings in recent polling.
Harris And Newsom No Longer Dominating
The Michigan numbers represent a noticeable shift from earlier national polls.
For months, Harris and Newsom were widely viewed as the Democratic Party’s two most likely presidential nominees. However, recent polling suggests Democratic voters are beginning to look elsewhere.
A national Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll released in June showed Harris leading with 27%, followed by Newsom at 14%. Buttigieg was third with 11%, while Ocasio-Cortez received 8%.
Even so, both California Democrats have seen their support gradually decline.
Harris has slipped from more than 30% in previous surveys, while Newsom has also lost ground compared to earlier polling, opening the door for several newer contenders.
Democratic Field Continues To Expand
Another national survey conducted by Emerson College earlier this year painted a similar picture.
Newsom narrowly led that poll with 16%, while Harris received only 10%. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also reached double digits, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear approached 10%, highlighting how many Democrats are now being discussed as possible presidential candidates.
The growing number of contenders suggests Democratic voters have yet to unite behind a single favorite.
Prediction Markets Still Favor Newsom
Despite weaker polling in Michigan, prediction markets remain optimistic about Newsom’s chances.
Polymarket currently gives the California governor the highest odds of winning the Democratic nomination at 19%.
Ocasio-Cortez follows at 15%, with Ossoff close behind at 14%. Harris currently sits at 9%.
Kalshi’s political market shows a similar ranking, with Newsom maintaining a narrow lead over the rest of the field.
What The Potential Candidates Are Saying
Several Democrats have publicly commented on growing speculation surrounding the 2028 race.
Harris has acknowledged she is considering another presidential campaign after making appearances in important early-voting states.
Newsom has also refused to completely rule out a White House bid, saying a presidential campaign remains a possibility even though he is not actively pursuing one at this time.
Ocasio-Cortez has repeatedly emphasized that her priority is advancing progressive policy goals rather than seeking higher office.
Meanwhile, Ossoff has firmly rejected speculation that he plans to run for president, saying his attention remains focused on winning reelection to the Senate.
Millions Of Democratic Voters Still Undecided
One of the most significant findings from the Michigan survey may not be who is leading—but how many voters remain undecided.
More than 21% of likely Democratic voters have not chosen a preferred candidate.
That suggests the Democratic primary remains wide open, with plenty of time for additional candidates to enter the race and reshape the field before voting begins.
The Road To 2028 Is Just Beginning
While President Donald Trump continues serving in the White House, Democrats are already positioning themselves for the next presidential contest.
Whether the eventual nominee is Buttigieg, Newsom, Harris, Ocasio-Cortez, Ossoff, or someone who has yet to enter the race, the battle for the Democratic nomination appears far from settled.
With multiple candidates competing for attention and millions of voters still undecided, the race to determine who will challenge Trump in 2028 is only getting started.
