New Poll Shows Top 2028 Potential Democratic Candidates

Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom lead the pack among prospective Democratic primary voters.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:57pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of vibrant colors, conceptually representing the competitive and uncertain landscape of the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.A new poll suggests a potentially crowded field of Democratic candidates vying for the 2028 presidential nomination, with Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom emerging as early frontrunners.NYC Today

A new YouGov poll shows former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom leading the pack of potential Democratic presidential candidates for the 2028 election. The survey also found strong support for other figures like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Why it matters

Early positioning by potential candidates has carried added weight, as polling since 2025 has suggested close hypothetical contests between Vice President JD Vance and prominent Democrats while highlighting uncertainty within both parties. Within the Democratic field, surveys in 2026 showed Harris leading prospective primary voters overall in many polls, with Newsom and Ocasio-Cortez also drawing measurable support.

The details

According to the poll, when asked "Which of the following people would you consider voting for in the Democratic presidential primary or caucus in your state in 2028? Select all that apply," Harris landed 52 percent of the vote and Newsom 40 percent. Very closely behind was Buttigieg at 39 percent, Ocasio-Cortez at 38 percent and independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders at 37 percent. When asked in part who "would be your ideal choice for the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee?" Harris received 24 percent, Newsom 12 percent and Ocasio-Cortez and Buttigieg 9 percent.

  • The poll was released on April 17, 2026.
  • The poll surveyed 2,189 U.S. adults from April 8-13, 2026.

The players

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President of the United States.

Gavin Newsom

Governor of California.

Pete Buttigieg

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

U.S. Representative from New York.

Bernie Sanders

Independent U.S. Senator from Vermont.

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What’s next

Potential candidates typically throw their name into the race after the midterm elections.

The takeaway

This early poll suggests a potentially crowded and competitive field of Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election, with Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom emerging as the frontrunners among prospective primary voters. The results highlight the ongoing uncertainty and shifting dynamics within the Democratic party as it looks to retake the White House.