AOC Leading 2028 Democratic Nominee Predictions

Nate Silver and Galen Druke have identified Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as the leading contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, citing her high favorability among Democrats, strong progressive appeal, and significant media presence, with recent Yale polling supporting her popularity. Their discussion on Silver's 'Silver Bulletin' Substack highlights AOC's support base and her increased visibility through initiatives like the 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour with Bernie Sanders. However, both caution that Ocasio-Cortez has not confirmed her candidacy, and Silver estimates her odds at around 20%. Other mentioned contenders include Kamala Harris, Josh Shapiro, Gavin Newsom, and Gretchen Whitmer. Observers note that while AOC is favored within the party, her progressive positions could present challenges in appealing to moderates during a general election. The party's leadership is undergoing a shift, with attention moving beyond President Biden's ongoing influence.