Poll shows early leaders in 2028 Democratic presidential race

YouGov Poll: 2028 Democratic Primary

Harris: 24% (+4)
Newsom: 12% (-5)
AOC: 9% (=)
Buttigieg: 9% (+1)
Sanders: 7% (=)
Kelly: 5% (-2)
Shapiro: 4% (+2)
Pritzker: 3%
Warren: 3%
Booker: 2%
Beshear: 2%
Walz: 1%
Whitmer: 1%

(+/- vs Jan) | Dem n= 968 | 4/10-13… pic.twitter.com/BbyvTijWOG

— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) April 17, 2026

A new poll shows Kamala Harris leading the early Democratic field for the 2028 presidential race, ahead of Gavin Newsom and other potential contenders.

Kamala Harris leads early polling for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, followed by Gavin Newsom, according to a new YouGov survey. The poll comes after Harris said she is “thinking about” another White House run, while no candidate has officially declared.

The survey shows Harris with 52% consideration among Democratic voters, compared to 40% for Newsom, with other contenders including Pete Buttigieg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Bernie Sanders also polling strongly. Harris also leads as “ideal nominee” with 24%, while Newsom follows at 12%, reflecting a crowded but fluid early field.

Political analysts note that early frontrunners often benefit from name recognition, though standings may shift before formal campaigning begins. Professor D. Stephen Voss said, “Early in a campaign cycle, the candidates with high name recognition usually lead the polls,” while Newsom has indicated he may decide after the 2026 midterms.

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