Recent polling data paints a revealing picture of the Democratic landscape as the 2028 presidential campaign gears up. According to research conducted by JL Partners for Mail Online, two prominent figures stand out: Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Their popularity among registered Democrats is striking; both have favorability ratings that surpass even the beloved figure of Santa Claus.
Senator Sanders, known for his commitment to progressive ideals… like free healthcare and tuition-free college, has maintained a strong connection with the party base. With a net favorability score of 65 points, he edges out Santa, whose net rating sits at 59 points. The affection for Sanders underscores his appeal as a “favorite old white man from the North,” a title reflecting not just his geography, but his longstanding advocacy for policies that resonate with many in the party. Despite being identified as a former Democrat who now runs as an independent, Sanders continues to enjoy a significant level of support among Democrats.
This sentiment is encapsulated by a poll indicating a favorable view of Sanders among a substantial majority of his party. It’s noteworthy that he is perceived even more positively than icons typically associated with goodwill and generosity, such as Santa. Harris, on the other hand, has a higher favorable rating—78 percent—but her unfavorable figures bring her net favorability down to 62 points. This discrepancy highlights a complex relationship that Democrats have with Harris. While she is well-liked, her challenges resonate deeply within the party’s ranks, suggesting that her path to nominations may not be as smooth as it once appeared.
The positioning of both Sanders and Harris raises pressing questions about the forthcoming nomination process. Among other potential candidates, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz lag significantly. Newsom’s current polling average shows him just ahead of Harris, placing him at approximately 23.6 percent compared to her 21.4 percent. Whether these figures indicate real competitiveness for the nomination remains to be seen, as dynamics in polling can shift rapidly in the political arena.
Looking further into the metrics, candidates like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez trail even more with 11 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively. These numbers reflect ongoing challenges for the party to unify behind any single contender. As the primaries approach, those voters eager for leadership will be keenly observing these figures. With multiple candidates still vying for attention and support, the upcoming months promise to be significant for the Democratic Party.
This data serves as a snapshot of the political climate and highlights the intense competition within the party as it prepares for the elections ahead. Understanding these favorability ratings is essential, not just for the candidates, but for strategists and voters alike who are trying to make sense of the evolving Democratic landscape.
"*" indicates required fields
