Democratic Race for 2028: AOC vs. Kamala Harris
When former Vice President Kamala Harris announced she wouldn’t be running for California governor, it seemed like she might still be keeping her options open for a Presidential bid in 2028. However, the spotlight really appears to be shifting toward New York State Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is now seen as a frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, especially if she decides to run for the Senate.
A California donor expressed a lack of excitement about Harris’s potential gubernatorial candidacy, hinting that the former VP might not be the candidate to keep an eye on for 2028. Instead, Ocasio-Cortez is likely to emerge as a significant contender.
It’s interesting to note, but AOC’s current strength may actually surpass that of other potential candidates in the race. There’s a sentiment among some Democrats that candidates from California might not resonate well nationally, often labeled as “crazy.” Looking back, Barack Obama was considered a long shot at this point in the 2008 election cycle, while Harris struggled in the 2020 primaries, withdrawing before even casting a single vote.
In contrast, Ocasio-Cortez is already leading in various 2028 Democratic primary surveys. In polling that includes Harris, AOC ranks among the top contenders alongside former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and California Governor Gavin Newsom, while Harris’s support has slipped.
Polling data shows that Ocasio-Cortez’s approval ratings are higher than many potential Republican opponents, including Trump. There’s also a belief that AOC’s popularity could translate well into a general election, mirroring her fundraising success. Reports indicate that she raised over $15 million, which is a striking amount, especially coming from small-dollar donors.
Despite Harris’s past successes in fundraising, there seems to be donor fatigue regarding her potential for another presidential bid. There are visible signs of a lack of enthusiasm among major donors, which isn’t a great omen for a future campaign.
Ocasio-Cortez continues to draw large crowds, even in traditionally conservative regions. Her ability to rally support reflects her strong connection with voters, as evidenced by her significant turnouts at events, even in non-election years.
That being said, there are questions about AOC’s electability. She will be close to 39 by the time of the 2028 election, and her progressive views may not appeal to all voters. However, her strong position in the Democratic primaries suggests she could be a formidable candidate. Significant candidates usually have notable national recognition, as seen with past Democratic primary winners.
Harris, on the other hand, may struggle to attract both left-leaning and centrist voters, raising doubts about her potential success in 2028. AOC’s future decision to challenge incumbent Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer may also lessen concerns about her age and experience.
Polls have shown AOC performing well against Schumer, indicating a potential for a younger generation of Democrats to gain traction. The upcoming years will reveal whether Ocasio-Cortez can maintain her momentum, but right now, she appears to have a more favorable path to the Democratic nomination compared to Kamala Harris.
