George Clooney, a well-known actor and Democratic fundraiser, has identified three Democrats he is monitoring for the 2028 presidential election. As a prominent figure, Clooney plans to hold off on endorsing anyone until after November’s midterm elections.
Clooney’s interest focuses on Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Both Ossoff and Pritzker seek reelection this year, while Beshear is not up for election this November.
In a speech at The Future of Creativity event in Venice, Clooney expressed excitement about Jon Ossoff. At 65, Clooney values young voices with fresh ideas and has yet to choose a preferred candidate. Representatives for Clooney and the three Democrats have been contacted for comments.
Clooney previously made headlines with his influential role in the 2024 presidential election. In a New York Times opinion piece, he urged President Joe Biden to end his reelection campaign following a disappointing debate against Donald Trump. Biden later endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump.
Currently, early polling doesn’t show any of Clooney’s three choices as clear favorites for the Democratic nomination. The RealClearPolling national average from July to September lists Harris at 26.3 percent, with Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez following. Ossoff trails at 8.8 percent, Beshear at 4 percent, and Pritzker at 3.2 percent.
Ossoff faces an immediate challenge at the ballot box. As the strongest of Clooney’s picks in national polling, Ossoff prepares for reelection against Republican Rep. Mike Collins on November 3. Ossoff’s Senate victory in January 2021 was narrow, but he now leads Collins by eight points in the RealClearPolling average.
A recent poll showed Ossoff with a 55 percent lead over Collins, suggesting a solid position in his reelection bid. Victory would reinforce his potential as a future Democratic leader, reflecting Clooney’s appreciation for his age as a new generation voice.
Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez leads Polymarket odds for the 2028 Democratic nomination at 17 percent. Ossoff follows closely behind, while others like Harris and Newsom rank lower. Prediction-market prices often reflect trader expectations rather than public opinion.
An Emerson College survey in August depicted Ossoff ahead of VP JD Vance and Marco Rubio in 2028 matchups. Although provisional, these polls provide insight into voter preferences.
In Illinois, Pritzker seeks another term on November 3. Despite minimal recent polling, historical surveys show Pritzker with a strong lead over Republican challenger Darren Bailey.
His standing for a presidential bid remains modest, with recent polling placing him behind leading names, but the field is still open.
Beshear rounds out Clooney’s list as a successful two-term governor in traditionally Republican Kentucky. Currently, Beshear scores low in 2028 national polling, but he believes a Democratic governor should be the next president, citing executive experience as a crucial qualifier.
A caveat to Clooney’s picks is that polling results may not yet predict the 2028 race outcome, as they are snapshots of current voter preferences.
Clooney has not yet endorsed any candidate for 2028, planning to wait until after the midterms to make decisions. The November 3 elections will test Ossoff and Pritzker’s standing before voters, shaping the Democratic field further.
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