Senator Jon Ossoff’s prospects in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary have risen in prediction markets. His chances surpassed Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as speculation about new candidates continues. The 2028 presidential lineup might start forming soon, with potential candidates announcing campaigns possibly next year after the midterms.
On the Democratic side, prospective candidates are already refining their messages and visiting key primary states. This strategy aims to boost name recognition and voter connection. Ossoff, representing Georgia in the U.S. Senate, has been mentioned as a potential candidate while running for reelection this year.
Although the primaries are more than a year away, polls and prediction markets can indicate early momentum among candidates. Donors and voters often use these signals to assess candidate viability. This can affect fundraising and media coverage, which are crucial for a campaign’s visibility and support. Newsweek reached out to Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez for comments via email.
Jon Ossoff’s Increasing Chances
Despite downplaying a 2028 presidential run, Ossoff’s chances in prediction markets have grown recently. His chances reached 16% on Friday, surpassing Ocasio-Cortez’s 14%, according to Polymarket. Only California Governor Gavin Newsom had higher chances at 20%.
At the start of the year, Ossoff held less than 4% in prediction markets, which rose to 9% a month ago. Former Vice President Kamala Harris had 7% chances, while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro each had 5%.
Kalshi also reported Ossoff’s rising chances, with 16% on Friday, compared to Newsom’s 18% and Ocasio-Cortez’s 15%.
Latest Polling on Democrats’ 2028 Chances
An Emerson College poll pointed to Buttigieg as the front-runner, with 19% support. Newsom followed at 17%. Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez each received 13%, while Harris polled at 8%.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear garnered 7%, and Shapiro received 5%. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker polled at 3%, and 2% supported California Representative Ro Khanna. An additional 13% were undecided. The poll surveyed 574 Democrats in July, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 points.
A McLaughlin poll had Harris leading with 28% support, followed by Newsom at 17% and Ocasio-Cortez at 10%. Buttigieg had 8%, while Arizona Senator Mark Kelly received 7% support. Notably, Ossoff was absent from this poll. It surveyed 1,000 general election voters in July 2026.
Ossoff’s Reelection Bid in Georgia
Ossoff stated he is not pursuing a White House bid. “I am not running for president in 2028; I have no interest in running for president in 2028,” he told CNN. He is focused on his reelection campaign in Georgia, which Cook Political Report forecasts as Lean Democrat.
Running for reelection in Georgia, a critical swing state, Ossoff faces Republican Mike Collins. Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball view the race as Lean Democrat. A strong showing could bolster calls for his 2028 candidacy, as Democrats look for a candidate who can unite the party’s progressive and moderate factions.
In an independent AARP poll, Ossoff led with 52% support compared to Collins’ 43%. Five percent were undecided. AARP conducted the poll with Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research, surveying 1,060 likely voters in Georgia, with a 3-point margin of error.
Potential Candidates’ Statements
Some democratic candidates have not ruled out a 2028 run. Harris, traveling to states like Michigan and South Carolina, hinted at a possible candidacy during a talk with Reverend Al Sharpton in April. “I might. I am thinking about it,” she said, referencing her four years near the presidency.
In a June 2025 interview, Newsom mentioned, “I’m not thinking about running, but it’s a path that I could see unfold.” Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez, in a conversation with David Axelrod, focused on broader change rather than specific roles. “Presidents come and go… But single-payer healthcare is forever,” she remarked.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Gabe Whisnant and Sam Wilson.
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