Democratic contenders emerge in early 2028 presidential polls

Early polling for the 2028 presidential election cycle indicates a crowded field of potential Democratic contenders. According to a Harvard CAPS-HarrisXpoll conducted in late August, former Vice President Kamala Harris leads among Democrats with 42 percent of the vote in early surveys.

Other notable figures appearing in Democratic polling include California Governor Gavin Newsom at 18 percent, and Pete Buttigieg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both at 9 percent. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro each secured 7 percent of the Democratic vote.

On the Republican side, Vice President J. D. Vance is identified as a leading figure, though he has indicated he will focus on the upcoming midterm elections before deciding on an official presidential bid.