My rankings of the 10 Democrats most likely to be the 2028 nominee

In the wake of the Democrats' significant victories over Donald Trump and his party in the midterms, the political landscape for the 2028 presidential election appears highly fragmented. At Crooked Con, a recent gathering of liberal activists, a straw poll revealed a surprising lack of consensus among attendees regarding their preferred candidates, with 999 votes cast for 37 different individuals. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff emerged as the frontrunner with 38% of the vote, while former Vice President Kamala Harris lagged far behind in 16th place with only six votes. This divergence highlights the absence of a clear frontrunner in the Democratic race, a situation not seen since 1992 when Bill Clinton eventually claimed the nomination.

Despite the lack of a dominant candidate, a top tier of potential contenders is beginning to take shape. According to political insights gathered through conversations and observations, Ossoff and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are currently viewed as the leading figures. However, neither has committed to running, underscoring the uncertainty that characterizes this early stage of the election cycle. This unpredictability is noteworthy, especially given the historical context of previous Democratic primaries where frontrunners typically emerged much earlier.

The analysis of potential candidates is further informed by betting markets like Polymarket, which offer insights into the perceived viability of various candidates. While Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez are highlighted as top choices, the overall landscape remains fluid, with many names circulating among the liberal base. This lack of clarity presents both challenges and opportunities for the Democratic Party as it prepares for the upcoming election cycle.

The ongoing discourse surrounding the 2028 election will continue to evolve, and the author intends to provide regular updates and rankings behind a paywall, emphasizing the value of insider information and analysis. For those interested in a deeper understanding of the political dynamics at play, subscribing to the author's content is encouraged. The subscription offers access to a range of political insights, including detailed breakdowns of speeches and current events in Washington.

As the Democratic race for the presidency unfolds, the absence of a clear frontrunner and the multitude of candidates reflect a party grappling with its identity and direction. The coming months will be critical in determining which candidates will solidify their positions and potentially shape the future of the party as it looks toward the 2028 election.