Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is increasingly being discussed as a notable candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. However, a recent poll shows she would face a highly competitive primary.

A Democratic primary survey conducted by The Public Sentiment Institute (TPSI) between July 25-29 among 762 likely voters in Michigan found former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leading with 24.2 percent support.

Meanwhile, 21.7 percent of respondents remained undecided, highlighting the uncertainty characteristic of the race’s early stages. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff followed in second place among named candidates with 13.9 percent, while Ocasio-Cortez from New York received 10.7 percent.

California Governor Gavin Newsom was supported by 10.0 percent, and former Vice President Kamala Harris secured 5.1 percent. Additional figures included Illinois Governor JB Pritzker with 3.8 percent and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro with 3.6 percent.

The poll’s margin of error stood at plus or minus 4 points at 95 percent confidence.

These results portray Ocasio-Cortez as an influential figure but indicate she trails several prominent rivals amid a packed field. Newsweek reached out to her office for comment.

Prediction markets also indicate a competitive Democratic race for 2028.

Platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi, which track the race, exhibit fluctuating odds for various candidates, underscoring the unpredictability surrounding who will join the contest and how Democratic electorate priorities may evolve. Prediction markets capture public sentiment and trader expectations but don’t directly measure voter support.

On Polymarket, as of Saturday morning, Newsom had a 19 percent chance, Ocasio-Cortez and Ossoff were at 14 percent, Harris had 9 percent, Buttigieg and Shapiro had 5 percent, and Pritzker held a 1 percent chance.

At Kalshi, Newsom was at 18 percent, Ossoff at 15 percent, Ocasio-Cortez at 13 percent, Harris at 9.3 percent, Buttigieg at 5.5 percent, Shapiro at 4.5 percent, and Pritzker at 2.7 percent.

What Contenders Are Saying About Their Plans

Kamala Harris, who has visited states including Michigan and South Carolina lately, hinted at a possible run. When asked by Reverend Al Sharpton during the National Action Network’s convention about running in 2028, she responded, “I might. I am thinking about it.”

Harris emphasized her experience as vice president, noting her proximity to the presidency and outlining her deep familiarity with its responsibilities.

Gavin Newsom entertained the prospect of entering the race in a June 2025 interview with The Wall Street Journal, stating that while he’s not currently planning to run, he could see it as an unfolding option.

Ocasio-Cortez addressed presidential rumors when speaking with David Axelrod earlier this year, expressing her desire to change the country rather than fixating on titles.

Jon Ossoff has ruled out a 2028 presidential bid, telling CNN, “I am not running for president in 2028. I have no interest.” He assured his commitment to his Georgia reelection campaign, classified as “Lean Democratic” by the Cook Political Report.

For more information, reach out to Newsweek editors Matthew Robinson and Anthony Murray.