A new poll suggests Kamala Harris is leading the pack of Democratic Party candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
In a recent survey, Harris was identified as the most favored choice for the Democratic Party's nomination, obtaining 36% support from voters and independents aligned with the party, as the New York Post reports.
Despite her 2024 defeat at the hands of Donald Trump, Harris continues to hold considerable influence within her party and is evaluating her political future, which may include a campaign for California governor in 2026.
The Morning Consult survey placed Harris prominently as her party's top candidate, showcasing a significant advantage over other potential Democrat hopefuls. Harris gained the preference of a significant portion of the Democratic Party electorate, securing a lead that far surpassed that of her competitors. While former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg ranked second, he only attained 10% support, marking a striking gap between him and Harris.
Harris has not officially declared any intentions to campaign in 2028, but her current standing in the poll points to widespread approval from within the party base. Her ongoing popularity can be attributed to her recent political endeavors and national profile. After an election loss in 2024 to then-incumbent President Trump, Harris still commands a noteworthy following among Democratic constituents, which could bolster her potential future campaigns.
Harris's 2024 presidential bid was marked by a robust fundraising effort, where she managed to accumulate over a billion dollars from Democrat donors. This financial backing underscores the confidence her supporters and significant party donors have in her leadership and vision, which might have contributed to her strong position in the latest poll.
Although Harris lost the 2024 election in swing states as well as the popular and Electoral College votes, she has not ruled out returning to the political spotlight. Allies report that she is keeping her options open, one of which is running for California governor. The current governor, Gavin Newsom, will be stepping down in 2026 due to term limits, potentially paving the way for Harris to pursue leadership at the state level.
In the survey, other recognizable names within the Democratic Party camp appeared but garnered considerably less support. Gavin Newsom himself, along with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, each attracted 5% of the vote. This level of support pales in comparison to the decisive lead held by Harris, which demonstrates her overwhelming influence and recognition among voters.
The poll also identified businessman Mark Cuban and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as having 4% support each, reflecting their potential as dark horse candidacies within the party. Other familiar faces in the Democratic Party landscape, such as Sen. Cory Booker, who received 3%, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Gov. JB Pritzker, Gov. Andy Beshear, and Sen. .Amy Klobuchar, each pulling in 2%, depict a crowded field with varying degrees of support across the board.
The diverse and competitive playing field may indicate a vibrant primary process, should these preliminary figures hold steady towards the actual nomination race. The early poll results provide insight into the evolving preferences of the Democratic Party voters and the potential strategies candidates might adopt in responding to these findings.
Considering these initial insights, Harris’s dominance in the poll hints at her sustained ability to engage with and energize Democratic Party supporters. Her positioning as a front-runner lends considerable weight to her future endeavors, be it another presidential run or an influential role within Democratic state politics.
The Democratic Party, with Harris at the forefront, might see a realignment in strategies as stakeholders analyze these results and coordinate efforts to capitalize on her established voter base. The path to 2028 will undoubtedly involve scrutinizing voter sentiment, evaluating policy platforms, and deciding on potential candidates who can carry forward the party's values and objectives effectively.
As the landscape continues to develop, observing how Harris navigates her next moves will be pivotal. Whether in consideration for the presidency, the governorship of California, or another significant political avenue, Harris’s decisions will likely have a profound impact on her political career and the Democratic Party as a whole.
