California poll shows Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leading 2028 Democratic primary preference

A new poll commissioned by the California Post indicates that New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the most popular choice among California voters for a hypothetical 2028 Democratic presidential primary. Ocasio-Cortez led the survey with 18% support, followed closely by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 17%.

California Governor Gavin Newsom ranked third with 14% support, amid mixed approval ratings from voters. The poll also showed Arizona Senator Mark Kelly at 10% and former Vice President Kamala Harris at 7%. Ocasio-Cortez demonstrated particular strength among liberal voters, receiving support from 25% of those identifying as liberal and 41% of those identifying as very liberal.

The statewide survey was conducted by McLaughlin & Associates between October 17 and October 20, involving 800 voters with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.