George Clooney, a famous actor and noted Democratic fundraiser, has identified three Democrats to watch ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Although he has not yet endorsed a candidate, he is keenly observing the political prospects of Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
Clooney plans to make his endorsement decision after the upcoming midterm elections. These elections could serve as an important test for Ossoff and Pritzker as they seek reelection. Beshear does not face an election this November.
During The Future of Creativity event in Venice, Clooney expressed admiration for Ossoff’s youth and fresh ideas. He also mentioned his favorable views on Pritzker and Beshear but emphasized that he has yet to decide on an endorsement. Newsweek has reached out to representatives of Clooney, Ossoff, Pritzker, and Beshear for comments.
Clooney’s Influence in Politics
Clooney’s political views gained attention during the 2024 presidential election. In a New York Times opinion piece, he urged President Joe Biden not to run again after a poor debate against Donald Trump. Biden later stepped aside and supported Kamala Harris, though she ultimately lost to Trump.
Currently, early polling does not place Clooney’s preferred candidates as leading figures for the Democratic nomination in 2028. According to RealClearPolling, Kamala Harris leads with 26.3% support. Other figures include California Governor Gavin Newsom with 14.3%, followed by Pete Buttigieg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Ossoff, Beshear, and Pritzker trail behind in these early measurements.
Ossoff Faces an Electoral Challenge
Of the three Democrats Clooney is watching, Jon Ossoff is in a pivotal position. His re-election campaign against Republican Mike Collins on November 3 will test his growing political stature. Ossoff’s narrow 2021 Senate victory demonstrated his strong appeal in Georgia.
The RealClearPolling average shows Ossoff leading Collins with 51.1% to 43.1%. A recent Big Data Poll indicated he holds a 55% to 45% edge over Collins among likely voters. A successful reelection could further strengthen his profile within the Democratic Party.
Ossoff’s age plays into his appeal. At 39, he represents a younger generation advocating for new ideas, aligning with the ongoing generational shift within the party.
Pritzker’s Reelection Campaign
JB Pritzker seeks to win another term as Governor of Illinois on November 3. Unlike Ossoff, public polling on his race is sparse. However, a November 2025 Victory Research survey showed him leading opponent Darren Bailey by 54% to 34%.
Pritzker’s standing in 2028 presidential speculation is modest, with a 3.2% average according to RealClearPolling. His numbers are low compared to other prominent figures, hinting at a wide-open field for the upcoming election.
Beshear’s Position in National Politics
Governor Andy Beshear, serving a second term in Kentucky, is another Democratic leader Clooney is monitoring. Although not up for reelection soon, his potential influence in the 2028 presidential race is limited due to low polling numbers.
Despite this, Beshear believes governors possess crucial executive experience valuable for the presidency. His sentiments align with George Clooney’s outlook on the need for executive experience in addressing national issues.
The Uncertain Path Forward
Current polling highlights the fluidity of the Democratic field. Early numbers reflect more about name recognition than accurate projections for the presidential race in two years.
Clooney has not committed to endorsing anyone until after assessing the midterm results. For Ossoff and Pritzker, upcoming elections offer a tangible measure of their political strength as Clooney and others in the Democratic circle deliberate over the 2028 lineup.