George Clooney’s Top Democratic Contenders for 2028: Prospects and Upcoming Tests
George Clooney’s Observations on Democratic Leaders
Actor and prominent Democratic fundraiser George Clooney has spotlighted three Democrats to watch ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Clooney plans to delay any endorsements until after the upcoming midterm elections. This puts the November 3 elections as a potential early test for two of his picks: Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, both seeking reelection. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is not running for reelection this November.
During The Future of Creativity event in Venice, Clooney praised the young senator from Georgia, Jon Ossoff. “I am 65 years old, and I think that we need some young voices that are coming up with new ideas and some new thoughts,” Clooney noted. He also expressed favorable opinions of Pritzker and Beshear but emphasized he had not yet made a definitive choice.
Clooney’s Political Involvement
Clooney’s remarks are significant due to his influence in the 2024 presidential election, where he urged President Joe Biden to step down following a debate performance against Donald Trump. Biden subsequently withdrew and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who later lost to Trump.
Despite Clooney’s interest, early polls show none of his preferred candidates are currently leading the Democratic race. According to RealClearPolling, Kamala Harris holds 26.3 percent, followed by Gavin Newsom at 14.3 percent, Pete Buttigieg at 12.6 percent, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 10 percent. Ossoff, Beshear, and Pritzker trail those figures.
Polling Data
In a Harvard-Harris poll from late September, Ossoff registered 6 percent and Pritzker 5 percent, with Harris leading at 38 percent. Another poll by Echelon Insights had Ossoff at 8 percent, Beshear and Pritzker each at 2 percent. A July Emerson poll showed Ossoff at 13 percent and Beshear at 7 percent.
Ossoff’s Immediate Test
Among Clooney’s three picks, Ossoff currently has the highest standing in national presidential polling and faces a major test in the upcoming election. He must defend his Senate seat against Republican Mike Collins on November 3. Ossoff initially won his Senate seat in a close race against David Perdue.
Surveys show Ossoff leading Collins, with the RealClearPolling average giving Ossoff a 51.1 percent to 43.1 percent advantage. A September Big Data Poll found Ossoff with a 55 percent to 45 percent lead.
Pritzker’s Reelection Campaign
Pritzker is also looking for another term as governor on November 3. Unlike Ossoff, recent public polling for his state race is sparse. The last known poll by Victory Research in 2025 showed Pritzker leading 54-34 percent.
His national presidential prospects are more limited. The RealClearPolling average shows Pritzker at 3.2 percent. Individual poll results vary from 5 percent to 2 percent in recent surveys.
Beshear’s National Standing
Beshear, a governor in a predominantly Republican state, does not face reelection in the midterms. He remains in the low single digits in national 2028 Democratic polling. The RealClearPolling average puts him at 4 percent, slightly above Pritzker but behind Ossoff.
Beshear has advocated for a Democratic governor to be the next president, citing gubernatorial experience as crucial for the White House.
An Unclear Race Ahead
The emerging polling data indicates a volatile race. Current figures serve more as indicators of name recognition and current voter leanings rather than reliable forecasts for 2028.
Clooney intends to wait until after the midterms before endorsing a candidate. This November may offer a tangible electoral test for Ossoff and Pritzker, influencing subsequent decisions by Clooney and other Democratic donors and voters.