From political setback to potential front-runner, former Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the favored candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, according to a new survey released Friday.
The poll, conducted by Morning Consult, reveals that Harris, 60, holds a commanding lead among Democratic and Democratic-leaning independent voters, with 36% expressing support for her in the early 2028 primary race, according to The Post.
This marks a significant shift in her political fortunes, as she holds a double-digit advantage over her closest competitor, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who earned just 10% of the vote.
Despite her strong showing in the poll, Harris has yet to publicly declare any intention to run in 2028. Her support comes on the heels of a difficult loss in the 2024 presidential race, where she and then-President Joe Biden were defeated by Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Harris lost the popular vote, the Electoral College, and every major swing state. Her campaign raised over a billion dollars from Democratic donors but ultimately fell short.
Since her defeat, Harris has reportedly told allies to keep her political options open. Speculation is growing that she may seek the California governorship in 2026, as Democratic Gov.
In the Morning Consult poll, Newsom garnered 5% support, along with far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was Harris' running mate in 2024.
Other potential candidates in the poll include "Shark Tank" star Mark Cuban and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, both with 4% support.
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker (3%), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (2%), Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (2%), Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (2%), and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar (2%) rounded out the list, each receiving less significant backing.
