The WDIV/Detroit News poll offers an early glimpse into Michigan’s likely Democratic voters and their preferences for the 2028 presidential nomination. The survey reveals former Vice President Kamala Harris at the forefront with a support of 25.1%. She is trailed by Pete Buttigieg, the ex-Transportation Secretary, at 19.4%. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez follows with 11.5% and California Governor Gavin Newsom with 10.1%. Senators Cory Booker and Mark Kelly each attracted 8.3% support.
The poll highlights Harris’ continued appeal among Democratic voters. However, it also demonstrates a competitive field with several prominent figures gaining attention. No candidates have officially declared their candidacy.
Voter Preferences
The poll further indicates that Governors Wes Moore, Josh Shapiro, and JB Pritzker garnered less than 5% support. Meanwhile, 1.6% preferred other options, and 7.5% of likely voters were undecided, uncertain, or chose not to respond.
Conducted by The Glengariff Group, Inc., the survey involved 500 probable Democratic voters via live-operator telephone from July 8 to July 11 with a margin of error of 4.4%. Craig Agranoff, a political professor at Florida Atlantic University, remarked that the results were not unexpected, shedding light on Michigan Democrats’ position. Harris benefits from her name recognition and institutional backing, making sense of her lead, especially given her appeal to crucial voter segments.
Agranoff noted Buttigieg’s strong performance, owing to his Midwestern ties, communication skills, and appeal to voters seeking a balance between youth and progressive policies. Michigan’s role as a battleground state may find his profile desirable as Democrats aim to rebuild post-2024.
Michigan’s Strategic Importance
Michigan remains a crucial focus, as seen in past election cycles, with the state carving its place among top battlegrounds. In the 2024 presidential election, President Donald Trump narrowly surpassed Harris by 1.4 percentage points.
Given such slim margins, Democrats are poised to carefully observe which candidates resonate with Michigan voters as the party strategizes for the forthcoming presidential race.
Comparative Polls Insight
The Michigan poll aligns with ongoing national surveys assessing the Democratic Party’s trajectory ahead of 2028. An Echelon Insights poll reveals Harris leading with 21%, followed by Newsom at 14%. Buttigieg stands at 13%, Ocasio-Cortez at 9%, Shapiro at 7%, and Arizona’s Kelly at 4%. Several other contenders fell below 3%, while 14% remained indecisive.
This survey engaged 1,004 likely voters from July 9 to July 13, carrying a 3.6% margin of error. Meanwhile, the Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll recorded Harris with a leading 37%, Newsom at 24%, Buttigieg at 10%. Both Shapiro and Ocasio-Cortez had 9%, with Pritzker garnering 5%, while 5% favored alternatives.
Conducted between July 11 and July 12, this poll had 1,776 registered voters and a 2.3% margin of error.
Candidate Statements
Addressing potential runs, Harris mentioned contemplating the idea during an interview with Rev. Al Sharpton earlier this year. On the other hand, Ocasio-Cortez shared her perspective last month with David Axelrod, a former adviser to former President Barack Obama. She emphasized concentrating on transformative national changes over individual political aspirations.
Ocasio-Cortez expressed a desire to make decisions that impact the country positively. Her priorities extend to advocating for single-payer healthcare, living wages, workers’ rights, and women’s rights, offering a liberating detachment from personal political ambitions.