Democrats Weigh 2028 Presidential Primary Prospects

Senator Jon Ossoff’s prospects in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary have gained traction, surpassing Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on prediction markets. The 2028 presidential race could become clearer soon, with candidates potentially announcing their campaigns following the midterm elections. On the Democratic side, some are already highlighting their messages and visiting key primary states to boost recognition and connect with voters. Ossoff, currently serving as Georgia’s U.S. Senator, is mentioned as a potential candidate as he seeks reelection this year.

While the first primary votes are more than a year away, polls and prediction markets can indicate early momentum among candidates. Voters and donors watch these indicators to assess candidate viability, which influences fundraising and media attention. They also reflect initial candidate recognition. Newsweek reached out to the teams of Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez via email for comments.

Ossoff’s Rising Chances in Prediction Markets

Despite dismissing a 2028 presidential run, Ossoff’s odds have risen in prediction markets. Recent reports show his chances reached 16 percent, surpassing Ocasio-Cortez’s 14 percent on Polymarket. Only California Governor Gavin Newsom had higher odds with 20 percent. Earlier, Ossoff’s chances were at 9 percent a month ago and less than 4 percent at the start of the year.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Kamala Harris held a 7 percent chance, with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro both at 5 percent. Ossoff’s numbers have similarly increased on Kalshi, where he had a 16 percent chance compared to Newsom’s 18 percent and Ocasio-Cortez’s 15 percent.

Recent Polling Trends

An Emerson College poll identified Buttigieg as a top contender with 19 percent support, followed by Newsom at 17 percent. Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez both garnered 13 percent support. Harris polled at 8 percent, with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear at 7 percent. Shapiro had 5 percent support, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker polled at 3 percent, while 2 percent supported California Representative Ro Khanna. Thirteen percent were undecided. This poll sampled 574 Democrats from July 19-20, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

A McLaughlin poll showed Harris leading with 28 percent, followed by Newsom at 17 percent, and Ocasio-Cortez at 10 percent. Buttigieg received 8 percent, while Arizona Senator Mark Kelly had 7 percent support. Notably, Ossoff was not included. This survey involved 1,000 voters from July 15-21, 2026.

Ossoff’s Reelection Campaign in Georgia

Ossoff announced no 2028 presidential bid, emphasizing his focus on reelection in Georgia. He stated to CNN, “I am not running for president in 2028; I have no interest in running for president in 2028.” Ossoff is focused on securing his Senate seat in Georgia, a decisive battleground state. The Cook Political Report ranks it as Lean Democrat while he faces rival GOP Representative Mike Collins. Success in this year’s election might bolster calls for him to contest the 2028 primary as Democrats seek a candidate uniting both progressive and moderate wings.

An independent poll by AARP showed Ossoff leading with 52 percent against Collins’ 43 percent, with 5 percent undecided. Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research conducted this poll, surveying 1,060 likely voters in Georgia from July 13-16, 2026, with a 3 percent margin of error.

2028 Democratic Candidates Weigh Their Options

Potential 2028 Democratic candidates have not ruled out running. Harris, having traveled to key states like Michigan and South Carolina, hinted at a possible run. “I might. I am thinking about it,” she mentioned to Reverend Al Sharpton. Harris remarked on her proximity to the presidency, stating, “I spent countless hours in the West Wing, the Oval Office, and the Situation Room.”

Gavin Newsom shared similar sentiments in an interview, saying, “I’m not thinking about running, but it’s a path that I could see unfold.” Ocasio-Cortez, in a conversation with David Axelrod, discussed her ambitions, emphasizing long-term political goals over personal political gains.

Contact Newsweek editors Gabe Whisnant and Sam Wilson on this story.