A new Emerson College Polling survey released Thursday offers an early snapshot of the 2028 presidential landscape, showing California Gov. Gavin Newsom holding a narrow lead in a crowded Democrat primary field while Vice President JD Vance commands a dominant advantage among Republican voters.
Looking ahead to 2028, Newsom leads the Democrat primary contest with 20% support. He is followed by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 16% and Vice President Kamala Harris at 13%. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez draws 9%, while Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro receives 7%, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear stands at 5%.
On the Republican side, Vance posts a commanding 52% — more than double his nearest competitor. Secretary of State Marco Rubio trails at 20%, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis garners 6%. Eleven percent of Republican voters are undecided.