Senator Jon Ossoff is gaining notice in early polls for the 2028 Democratic presidential field. Support for former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom has decreased from previous levels.
Although candidates typically announce their intentions after midterm elections, it’s not unusual for some to declare earlier. None of the individuals in the poll have formally entered the 2028 race. Ossoff has previously stated he has “zero interest” in running for president in 2028. Yet, he has risen to 7 percent in the polls, trailing Democratic frontrunners but still a notable increase. His support grew significantly from 3 percent in earlier polling and 1 percent in May. Ossoff is the only Democrat to show consistent gains in three polling rounds.
Harris leads the potential Democratic field with 24 percent support. Newsom follows at 12 percent, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 9 percent. Morning Consult surveyed 2,203 registered voters from August 28 to 30, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. The results reflect responses from Democratic primary voters.
Morning Consult describes the Democratic race as “quieter on top and busier underneath.” Harris has maintained her position in recent polls, but Newsom has dropped from 19 percent in June. Meanwhile, Ossoff continues to gain support. Newsweek has contacted Ossoff’s campaign for comment.
Patrick Casale, an adviser to Nevada GOP Chairman Michael McDonald, noted that Ossoff’s potential candidacy could rely on the performance of Democratic socialists in the midterms. He speculated that success for socialist candidates might push the party to support Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for president. “If they lose in the midterms, they won’t run with her,” Casale stated. He added that this would benefit Ossoff’s numbers.
Casale expressed little surprise at Newsom’s and Harris’ polling numbers. “California is destroyed,” he said, referring to Newsom’s tenure. He noted that Harris is also from California.
Why Jon Ossoff Gains Attention
Ossoff’s polling improvements coincide with his increased national visibility. He has adopted a confrontational stance toward President Donald Trump and his administration. During an August rally, Ossoff criticized Trump’s priorities and his handling of the Iran war. He highlighted the president’s behavior, suggesting Trump prioritizes personal ventures over official duties.
In response to Ossoff’s remarks, Trump referred to him as “Pee-wee Herman lookalike,” dismissing the senator’s criticisms. Ossoff later remarked on the administration’s reaction, describing it as a “meltdown.”
Other 2028 Poll Insights
Recent polls place Harris as the leader among potential Democratic candidates. A Rasmussen Reports poll shows Harris with 37 percent support, ahead of Newsom at 14 percent. Ocasio-Cortez follows at 9 percent, with Buttigieg at 8 percent. The Rasmussen poll surveyed 472 respondents from July 15 to July 21.
An Emerson College poll conducted in July depicted a different scenario, with Buttigieg leading with 19 percent. Newsom followed at 17 percent, with Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez each at 13 percent, and Harris at 8 percent. The poll involved 574 respondents, and the margin of error was plus or minus 4 percentage points. The variations in these polls stem largely from Harris’ different standings.
Republican Field Insights
The Morning Consult poll also noted changes in the Republican field, notably for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who rose to 22 percent support, a 7-point increase from July. This marked the first significant change since March. The rise exceeded the poll’s margin of error.
Vice President JD Vance remains the leading Republican candidate with 36 percent support, although this is Vance’s lowest figure recorded so far. Rubio is only the second Republican to receive double-digit support in these polls. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has 8 percent, while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has 5 percent. Neither has shown movement outside the poll’s margin of error.
No candidates have formally declared their presidential intentions for 2028. Ossoff maintains no interest in running, while Harris considers it. Ocasio-Cortez aims to “change the world,” and Newsom defers to “fate.”