Senator Jon Ossoff is increasingly capturing attention in preliminary surveys related to the potential Democratic presidential candidates for 2028. Reports show a decline in support for figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who previously led the potential field.
Although candidates usually announce their intentions after midterm elections, some have entered the race earlier. No one in the current poll has officially declared a candidacy for the presidential election. Despite Ossoff’s previous statements expressing no interest in pursuing the presidency, he has emerged as a significant figure in the field according to a recent Morning Consult survey. His backing surged from earlier months, demonstrating gains across three consecutive polling periods.
Harris currently maintains a leading position with 24% support, followed by Newsom at 12%, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 9%. The survey included 2,203 registered voters between August 28-30, and carries a margin of error of approximately ±2 percentage points. Voting responses reflect opinions from voters engaged in each party’s primary.
A Morning Consult analysis describes the dynamic within the Democratic primary as “quieter on top and busier underneath.” While Harris’s numbers have remained stable across recent surveys, Newsom has seen a reduction from 19% in June. Still, Ossoff’s continued increase in support is worth noting.
“Ossoff’s emergence as a possible contender is notable despite his declaration of having no intention to run for the presidency in 2028.”
Patrick Casale, a notable figure within Republican circles, indicated that Ossoff’s future viability may depend on the election performance of Democratic socialist candidates. Should they perform well, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez might be pushed forward for the presidency.
Ossoff’s recent rise in polls interestingly correlates with his heightened profile nationally, particularly through critiques of President Donald Trump. During recent rallies, he voiced strong objections against Trump’s policies, challenging the administration’s handling of various foreign affairs.
In contrast, Trump compared Ossoff to a well-known comedic character, dismissing his remarks but drawing more public attention to the Georgia senator’s rhetoric.
Additional Poll Insights
Other polls also indicate Harris’s strong position within potential 2028 candidates, albeit with varying lead margins. As noted in a Rasmussen Reports poll conducted in August, Harris is favored by 37% of likely Democratic voters, well ahead of Newsom, who received 14% backing.
Another study from Emerson College presented a different outlook, positioning Buttigieg at 19% and Newsom at 17%, with Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez each at 13%. Harris registered 8% support here, suggesting diverse perceptions within the Democratic base.
Republican Candidate Observations
The Morning Consult survey also highlighted shifts within the Republican field, notably for Marco Rubio who saw his support climb by 7 percentage points, marking significant movement not seen since early in the year.
Although Vice President JD Vance leads the Republican contenders with 36% backing, Rubio’s increased support marks a notable development within the party’s landscape. Other Republican figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have seen stable support around the margins of error.
While the official candidacies remain undeclared across parties, the evolving polling data offers insights into public perceptions as potential candidates navigate their positioning ahead of future elections.