Who Could Run for the Democratic Presidential Nominee?
The 2028 field is already taking shape, and the Democratic bench is wide.
Betting markets, early polls, and media chatter all point to a handful of clear front-runners — and plenty of speculation around the rest. Here’s where things stand now.
Gavin Newsom: The Early Favorite
California’s governor leads the betting boards at 7-1 odds and is tied at the top of New Hampshire polls. He’s the establishment’s best bet.
Pete Buttigieg: Holding Strong
The Transportation Secretary is neck-and-neck with Newsom in NH at 23%, and sits at 20-1 odds. Still a contender with staying power.
Kamala Harris: The Wild Card
Polling shows her with 26% support in national surveys if she jumps in. But will she run, or pivot back to a state role?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Progressive Energy
AOC lands 11-1 odds and 6—7% support in early polling. Young, popular, and polarizing — she could electrify the field.
JB Pritzker: The Billionaire Governor
Illinois’ governor posts 9% in New Hampshire. His money and moderate tone make him a sleeper contender.
Andy Beshear: Testing the Waters
Kentucky’s governor is openly weighing a run. As a red-state Democrat, he could pitch himself as electable.
Rahm Emanuel: Training for a Run
The current ambassador to Japan is dropping hints he’s “in training.” Beltway insiders are watching closely.
Josh Shapiro: Rising Name
Pennsylvania’s governor polls modestly now but has the infrastructure — and a swing-state advantage — to matter later.
Other Speculated Names
Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar, Raphael Warnock, Ro Khanna, Jon Ossoff, Ruben Gallego, Jamie Raskin — the usual suspects in media chatter.
Declined to Run
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has publicly said no to 2028 — for now.
The Takeaway
Democrats have a crowded bench. Betting odds and early polling point to Newsom and Buttigieg as front-runners, with Harris and AOC as potential disruptors. Add in Pritzker’s cash and Beshear’s pragmatism, and the stage is set for a wide-open primary fight.
