Kamala Harris falls to back of the pack in new presidential poll
by Mary McCue Bell · The Washington TimesFormer Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leads in the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination race, overtaking California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a new poll.
Coming in at 19% was Mr. Buttigieg, followed by Mr. Newsom with 17% and Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tied at 13%, according to Emerson College’s July 2026 National Poll.
Ms. Harris collected 8% of the theoretical vote, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear had 7%, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro had 5% and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker came in last with 3%.
Even though Ms. Harris is heavily positioned as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, early battleground surveys show her slipping behind other party figures.
On the GOP test ballot, Secretary of State Marco Rubio trails Vice President J.D. Vance by only 1 percentage point, at 38% to 39%.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump Jr. tied with 5%.
Mr. Rubio’s surge in 2028 presidential polling is one of the most drastic shifts in early primary data, completely altering the political landscape.
Last August, Mr. Vance boasted 52% of survey respondents, while the secretary sat at 9%.
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Since then, the vice president has been chairing the White House’s fraud response team, tackling contentious scam gambits across mostly blue states.
Mr. Rubio, on the other hand, has been wrapped up in the Iran war since February.
Even though Mr. Vance is the favorite with a slim lead, Mr. Rubio’s quick rise could shake up the Republican primary if they ultimately decide to run. Both have publicly downplayed 2028 ambitions in interviews.
This poll is an early hypothetical survey two years out from the primaries, and margins will probably continue to shift.
When voters were asked whether they would participate in a primary or caucus if it were held this week, 52% selected Democratic and 48% chose the GOP.
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Mary McCue Bell
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