- 58% of Democrats prioritize electability over ideological alignment.
- Kamala Harris tops both “would consider” and “ideal candidate” lists.
- No other candidate crosses 10% on the “ideal” metric, highlighting a fractured field.
Democrats are entering the 2028 primary season with a clear goal: find a nominee who can beat the Republican candidate. According to a new YouGov/The Economist poll, 58% of Democrats say their top priority is nominating someone who can win the general election.
Despite that loss, Harris remains the most popular name among Democrats. She leads every category in the poll, with 58% saying they would consider voting for her. Additionally, 29% identify her as their ideal nominee.
Democrats Face 2028 Identity Crisis: Familiar Faces, Doubtful Futures
Pete Buttigieg is emerging as the closest challenger to Kamala Harris. 39% of Democrats are open to supporting him, and 9% call him their ideal candidate. Yet his relatively low “ideal” score compared to Harris suggests that while he’s acceptable to many, he’s not inspiring passionate support.
Other names like AOC, Tim Walz, and Gavin Newsom show potential but struggle with limited appeal beyond their base. AOC is particularly polarizing—well-known and backed by 38%, but only 7% see her as ideal. Meanwhile, Walz’s role as the 2024 VP nominee isn’t translating into widespread enthusiasm.
Candidates like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren maintain loyal followings. However, their age and prior campaign fatigue may weigh heavily in voters’ minds. Even newer voices like Gretchen Whitmer and Mark Kelly haven’t managed to break through meaningfully. Few Democrats call them ideal nominees.
Ultimately, the Democrats are stuck between a candidate they know—Kamala Harris—and the desire to win back the White House. The party may be entering 2028 with its base divided and its best-known candidate burdened by past losses.
The Democratic Party enters 2028 with a tough decision: stick with Kamala Harris, who leads in popularity but carries baggage, or rally behind a less familiar face with uncertain prospects.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – often attributed to Albert Einstein.
