Democratic prospects for 2028 are looking alarmingly weak, according to the latest polling. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, once a frontrunner, has plummeted to just 13%, trailing failed Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 16% and California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 12%. A combined 35% of voters remain undecided—and none of the current contenders inspire confidence.
Here’s how the numbers break down:
- Pete Buttigieg, 16%—remembered for slow EV infrastructure rollout.
- Kamala Harris, 13%—seen as stagnant and unconvincing after 2024.
- Gavin Newsom, 12%—labeled an extreme liberal with no national appeal.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, 7%—considered promising but hindered by perceived party anti-Semitism.
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 7%—charismatic online, but lacking presidential gravitas.
Meanwhile, Republicans show a stronger lineup: Trump loyalist JD Vance leads with 46%, Marco Rubio at 12%, and Ron DeSantis at 9%, with only 17% undecided.
Historically, Democratic fields featured heavyweight contenders like Clinton, Gore, Obama, and Sanders. Today, the party’s top choices look like a lackluster squad facing a powerful GOP lineup. The question remains: where is the next Democratic “ringer” to emerge?
Democratic fundraising efforts have struggled to build momentum behind the current field. Campaign finance reports show that Harris, Buttigieg, and Newsom have trailed their Republican counterparts in early 2024–2025 fundraising. Political analysts warn that without a high-profile “ringer,” the party may be unable to raise the national funds required to compete in early primary states and general election advertising, particularly in long-shot swing districts.
Recent surveys indicate a disconnect with younger Democratic voters, many of whom feel detached from establishment figures. Only 21% of respondents under 35 expressed enthusiasm about any declared candidate. This presents a conundrum: the base wants new voices, yet no fresh faces have gained traction. That leaves the party relying on familiar names, even if those names fail to energize the next generation of voters.
By contrast, the GOP field already includes multiple viable ticket combinations two years out. JD Vance dominates the early GOP field as the Trump-aligned front-runner, but contenders like Marco Rubio and Ron DeSantis bring regional and policy diversity. Republicans also retain a strong pipeline of governors and senators in the Senate—suggesting better resilience if early contenders falter.
