WHO’S THE NEXT U.S. PRESIDENT?
From Buttigieg to Harris, a new poll trending across social media reveals how voters are sizing up the top Democratic hopefuls for the 2028 presidential race.
By Asheea Smith
America may still be reeling from the chaos of the current administration, but whether it’s curiosity — or pure restlessness — voters are already looking past President Donald Trump and eyeing the next wave of potential Democratic presidential contenders. A newly released poll trending across social media is weighing out the Democratic hopefuls, and the results might just leave you scratching your head.
From Buttigieg to Harris, the poll offers an early snapshot of how Democrats could potentially shape the 2028 race. Let’s break down how folks voted — who’s rising, who’s surprising, and who’s inspiring confidence in a post-Trump future.
Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend and current U.S. Transportation Secretary, tops the poll with a commanding 19% lead, showing voters still view him as a fresh, future-forward voice in the Democratic field.
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California and one of the party’s most visible national figures, comes in at 15%, solidifying his place as a top-tier contender. It seems his high-profile leadership style and readiness to spar with Republicans — including Trump — continues to appeal to voters.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York congresswoman and progressive powerhouse, lands at 14%, reflecting her strong pull among younger voters and the party’s left flank. Her unapologetic advocacy and ability to shape national conversations make her a compelling choice for those craving transformative leadership.
Kamala Harris comes in at 11%, showing that while she remains a recognizable national figure, her appeal is more modest compared with some of the rising Democratic contenders. That said, the beloved candidate has left the possibility of a 2028 presidential run on the table, and folks are definitely keeping their eyes peeled.
Senator Bernie Sanders, the longtime progressive champion from Vermont, clocks in at 8%, maintaining his loyal base of supporters who admire his consistent fight for economic and social reform. Even as newer voices gain traction, Sanders’ commitment to reshaping the Democratic agenda certainly keeps him relevant in the conversation.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker comes in at 6%, showing modest support as he looks to expand his national profile. And after the politician and businessman defended a viral video saying Trump can “F*** all the way off,” per NBC, it seems viewers — and potential voters — couldn’t get enough.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear comes in at 3%, reflecting a smaller but steady base of support among Democrats. And according to the Wall Street Journal, the public servant already has his eyes set on the 2028 election.
Senator Amy Klobuchar, the Minnesota lawmaker known for her pragmatic, centrist approach, comes in at 3%. Her steady record and focus on bipartisan solutions continue to appeal to voters seeking a calm, experienced hand in a crowded Democratic field.
Senator Mark Kelly, the former astronaut and Arizona lawmaker, comes in at 3%. Known for his career as a U.S. Navy combat pilot Kelly — who poked that Trump and Hegseth were “not serious people,” per NBC — is an experienced Democrat with a reputation for steady, bipartisan leadership.
Surprisingly, Senator Cory Booker — the New Jersey lawmaker and former mayor of Newark — sits low on the list despite his popularity, coming in at just 2%. Known for his charismatic speaking style, Booker appears to be struggling to gain traction in an increasingly crowded Democratic field, according to the poll.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro comes in at 2%, reflecting modest support in the Democratic primary compared to his peers. Despite this, he shows strong approval in other areas, with a Quinnipiac University poll reporting a 60% job approval rating and him leading Republicans in hypothetical 2028 matchups.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer comes in at 1%, the only other woman on the list besides former VP Kamala Harris. Known for her advocacy on healthcare and infrastructure, she remains a recognizable figure but faces stiff competition from higher-polling contenders.
Lesser Known, Emerging Democrats
The “Other” category came in at 3%, capturing support for a mix of lesser-known or emerging Democratic figures. While no single candidate dominated this group, it shows that a small portion of voters are still exploring alternatives outside the top-tier contenders.
Democrats Who Received 0%
These candidates — including Wes Moore, Ro Khanna, Rahm Emanuel, Stephen A. Smith, Gina Raimondo, and Josh Green — all came in at 0%, showing that voters weren’t particularly enthusiastic about their chances. Womp.